CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — A man faces charges in Catawba County after authorities say he rented out a home belonging to a deceased resident. Robert Allen Reid was arrested and charged with obtaining property by false pretenses.
An arrest warrant states Reid rented the house for $3,000 despite not being the owner or landlord. The home was previously owned by Hammer Edward, who is deceased.
Channel 9 spoke with the residents living at the house, a disabled woman and her adult son. Prior to moving into the home, the mother and son had been homeless for several years.
A friend lent the family $3,000 to secure the residence for 12 months, which breaks down to approximately $250 per month. The residents did not receive a written lease and instead entered into a verbal agreement.
According to the adult son, Reid claimed he had inherited the property.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
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