A woman who claims not to be a squatter has been living rent-free in a half-million-dollar house in Colorado for more than a year.
Mecca Busey has resided in a 102-year-old home worth approximately $482,000 in Lakewood since the previous owner, who did not have a will, died in January 2023.
Although she is not listed on the lease, Busey said 9News that instead of a written lease, she has a “verbal lease” with the landlord’s granddaughter, who told her she can live in the house rent-free.
Records revealed that the granddaughter, who has not been named, moved out of the home to live in a facility for people with disabilities just before her grandfather died.
The granddaughter could possibly be the heir to the property and now wants Busey to move out of the house.
When asked if she was a squatter, Busey said: “Of course not, I’m not a squatter.”
Mecca Busey has resided in a 102-year-old home valued at about $482,000 since January 2023.
Busey said the former owner’s granddaughter told him he could stay in the house if he renovated it. The previous owner died and left no will.
Busey said her husband used to work for the deceased owner and the granddaughter agreed to let her live there if she made improvements to the house, with plans to buy the property from her later.
The disabled granddaughter is considered a “vulnerable adult,” who may not have the mental capacity to make such a decision, according to court and police records.
Busey says he has invested more than $200,000 in home renovations, including cleaning up the yard and remodeling the kitchen.
“That’s what I’m saying, I actually thought I was going to keep the house, or I wouldn’t have done it,” Busey said.
She added that she felt completely blindsided by the granddaughter’s request to leave the property.
“I come here and make it look good and all of a sudden they want me out without even coming to talk to me,” Busey said.
“I mean, this was a total sideswipe.”
Records showed neighbors made accusations and called police in Busey several times over the past year.
Busey claims he has invested more than $200,000 in home renovations (pictured: before and after of the home’s lawn after Busey cleaned it)
“That’s what I’m saying, I actually thought I was going to keep the house, or I wouldn’t have done it,” Busey said. (Pictured: Before and after of the house’s kitchen after Busey’s renovation)
The Lakewood Police Department responded to the home 19 times for complaints about code violations, ‘unwanted parties,’ trespassing and harassment, 9News reported.
In response to the neighbors’ claims, Busey said, “They are saying things that are completely false.” There has been no criminal activity here.’
Busey said he “absolutely” regrets not receiving a written lease for the home.
In Colorado, verbal leases can legally exist, but they only last less than a year. Oral leases are also more difficult to prove in court, leaving the argument to rest on the credibility of witnesses.
Busey has at least two felony identity theft convictions in the state.
In 2020, she was arrested after she was found in a vehicle with IDs, bank account documents and tax forms belonging to “up to 40 different identities,” court records showed.
Busey has at least two felony convictions in the state, both for identity theft. According to her social media accounts, Busey is a retail merchandiser at SAS Retail Services.
During that arrest, Busey was on probation for a prior felony conviction.
When asked about her criminal history, Busey said she is not currently stealing anyone’s identity and that she is who she says she is.
“This has nothing to do with that, and yes, I already served my time, so I have no problem talking about it,” Busey said.
According to her LinkedIn, Busey is a retail merchandiser at SAS Retail Services.
She said she will leave the house if she is legally forced out, but for now she plans to fight for the house.
Busey said: “If things change and I can have the house, then absolutely yes.” I want the house.’
The Jefferson County court system has appointed a special administrator for the case, who will help determine who owns the home.
