Previous Story
BPL takes squatting case to court
|
Posted on Feb 16 2001
A local resident who allegedly erected a semi-concrete residential structure on a public land designated for agriculture and cattle grazing is being sued by the Board of Public Lands for trespassing and other damages.
Superior Court documents state that the Marianas Public Land Corporation in April 2, 1992 issued a one year permit to Regino T. Camacho for the use of a three-hectare public land in Marpi on which to perform agricultural and grazing activities.
The Division of Public Lands on May 7, 1999 found out that the defendant built a permanent structure on the piece of public land without authorization from the government agency.
The plaintiff, in a case filed through Asst. Atty. General Jill Dean, has alleged that Mr. Camacho remains in intentional, wrongful possession of the land in question, and is thereby trespassing.
Mr. Camacho’s permit which supposedly expired one year after April 2, 1992 also gives credence to the plaintiff’s claim of trespassing on public property, according to court papers.
The public lands reportedly issued two eviction notices to the defendant since May 13, 1999.
According to the plaintiff, the defendant has refused to vacate the property to date.
The government is suing the defendant for damages including fair rental value and cost of restoring the land to its original condition.
Further, the plaintiff is also seeking to collect for pre and post judgment interest as well as attorney’s fees and costs. (MM)
