Man With 13 Convictions Arrested For Squatting in Vernon

VERNON,CT — A man with a vast history of trespassing and larceny convictions was arrested Wednesday night for squatting at a Vernon tenement infamous for a fire about seven years ago.

Casey Speers, 48, who police say has no certain address, was taken into custody at 8:52 p.m. Wednesday at 218 West Main St., according to an arrest report and accounts from neighbors. He was charged with second-degree criminal trespass, according to a report.

Police said he had been squatting there for some time, a contention supported by neighbors Thursday morning.

Neighbors have also complained over the years about the building being partially renovated after a fire about seven years ago, despite new ownership. It contains several apartments.

Speers has been convicted 13 times since 2011, mostly for larceny and trespassing violations, and his sentences have ranged from a six-months of jail time suspended after two days to 10 months (on several occasions), according to judicial system records.

He was held overnight after failing to post a $2,500 bond and was to appear in court Thursday, according to a report.

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