Couple accused of theft in Texas 'squatter' case

Published On: Nov 12 2012 08:59:06 PM CST
FORT WORTH, Texas -

A North Texas couple accused of "squatting" face up to life in prison if convicted of stealing from a home whose owner was in Houston for cancer treatments.

   David Cooper and Jasmine Williams each are charged with property theft over $200,000 and burglary of a habitation. Jury selection started Monday afternoon in Fort Worth.

   Last year, Cooper paid $16 to file with the county what is known as an affidavit of adverse possession. The obscure Texas law allows people to claim rights to otherwise unclaimed land after a period of time.

   Defense attorney Deborah Goodall told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (http://bit.ly/Zgq09O) that Cooper intended to live in the $405,000 Arlington home and maintain it.

   The Tarrant County district attorney has since ordered the county clerk to stop accepting those affidavits.

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