I-Team: Preliminary Hearing Underway for Alleged Home Scammer

Investigative Reporter Jonathan Humbert and Photojournalist Alex Brauer

I-Team: Preliminary Hearing Underway for Alleged Home Scammer

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Eric Alpert Eric Alpert

LAS VEGAS -- The prosecution continues to call witnesses in the case against Eric Alpert. The I-Team first reported on Alpert's story last summer when he was accused of more than 20 counts of forgery, theft and burglary for allegedly breaking into foreclosures and then renting them out.

Multiple witnesses and homeowners have taken the stand against Alpert in the preliminary hearing.

Alicia Jackson testified that Alpert put up fake notices of abandonment on her home. She said in court Alpert rented the home to tenants who knew nothing of the alleged fraud.

The home had been left in poor condition with holes in the walls and broken windows. Jackson said one hole had been filled with raw meat.

Alpert and associates claimed multiple homes going through default or foreclosure by trying a complicated legal maneuver called "adverse possession," also known as squatter's rights. The associates have told the I-Team that they were allowed to take possession and claim any home left by owners without the owner's knowledge.

Alpert is expected to have a full trial later this year.

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