FLOWER MOUND - A man who gained notoriety for claiming he could live in a $340,000 suburban Dallas house for $16 has vacated the home following a judge's order.
Kenneth Robinson had filed an "affidavit of adverse possession" giving him the right to live in the empty foreclosed home in Flower Mound. He also became a kind of local celebrity, speaking to law school students and creating a website, 16dollarhouse.com, about his experience.
However, Robinson never showed up to his court date set for this morning. Denton County Justice of the Peace J.W. Hand ruled Monday that lienholder Bank of America can force the 51-year-old Robinson out. The bank foreclosed on the house last month.
Robinson says he moved out early Monday morning, ending what he calls a "huge learning experience." He lived at the home since June, after filing papers in Denton County.
After news of his actions were released, dozens of similar claims were filed across North Texas. In Tarrant County, squatters referenced Robinson's case upon moving into homes. They were arrested and charged with theft and burglary.
Prosecutors also are cracking down on others seeking to emulate Robinson.
