A homeowner in Nevada returned from a three-week vacation to find evidence of squatting in his Lake Tahoe residence. Someone had been using the home, consuming food, and wearing the owner’s clothes, leaving behind clues for investigators.

The discovery was reported to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office on June 5. Evidence showed the home was occupied during the owner’s absence, and the homeowner also reported a missing birth certificate.

Deputies found a wallet containing a Visa debit card issued to Clarence Zillman and a receipt for Camel cigarettes. Surveillance video from the local Safeway identified a person wearing clothes belonging to the homeowner. While the shirt was recovered, the hat remains missing.

The Sheriff’s Office released the surveillance image, urging anyone with information to contact Investigator JT Davis at 775-586-7253. The investigation continues.

The Lake Tahoe region, known for luxury homes, often sees high-profile visitors. Such incidents highlight the issue of unauthorized occupation of vacant homes.

Former LAPD Lt. Moses Castillo noted that some squatting cases could involve identity theft and fraud. However, the Douglas County case has not been classified as such. The missing birth certificate has been noted, with no clear motive as yet.

The rising concern over squatting has led some states to enact laws for quicker removal of unauthorized occupants, clearly distinguishing criminal trespass from civil disputes.

This report was contributed to by Stepheny Price, with additional reporting by Greg Wehner for Fox News Digital, focusing on U.S. news and crime.