The likelihood that Beverly Hills voters will support incumbent George Gascón for Los Angeles County district attorney in next month’s primary almost certainly has declined since last October. Squatters have been illegally occupying a $4.6 million Beverly Hills mansion, earning about $30,000 per month renting rooms to others and charging admission to parties held nearly every night.

The estate, which is just down the street from where Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is building a new home, was seized by the state as a forfeited asset from its owner, a surgeon who apparently has left the country, fleeing criminal charges for insurance fraud. The home is listed for sale, and the state is responsible for maintaining the home during this period, which includes paying for regular landscaping, home maintenance, pool service, and utilities. The proceeds from the sale will be used for restitution in a criminal case involving the home’s owner that is being prosecuted by Gascón.

The property’s listing agent and neighbors have tried to have the squatters evicted, but this has been delayed, as the squatters have shown police fake leases and driver licenses that indicate they indeed live there. One document showed an annual lease for $25,000, which is closer to monthly rent. When asked about the absurdly low rental payment, the squatter claimed that “it is an amazing deal” offered to him by an individual who now seems to have disappeared. With the eviction process on the slow track, neighbors then asked the court administrator........

© Hoover Institution