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Family Finally Back Home After Strangers Leave Their House

LITTLETON, Colo. (CBS4) - A family is finally back in their home in Littleton after strangers who had been living there finally moved out.

The Donovans moved out of state last year for work and found strangers living in their home when they returned. It was one of many stolen homes linked to the same ring.

When the Donovans returned they were forced to live in the basement of a relative's home in Greeley. They have been trying since spring to regain their home.

"It's wonderful, great, couldn't ask for anything more," Troy Donovan said.

Alfonso Carrillo has been charged with racketeering, theft and other crimes in connection with the Donovans' home. The people who thought they had legally bought it from Carrillo are charged with trespassing.

Rudy Breda, who is still at large, has also been charged with similar crimes in connection to the case.

"I told her, 'Listen, what you're doing is wrong, it's illegal, I would really like you to move out of the home, otherwise we will take legal action against you,' " Dayna Donovan told CBS4's Rick Sallinger in July.

They did and won an eviction order more than a month ago.

Alfonso Carrillo and Rudy Breda
Alfonso Carrillo and Rudy Breda (credit: Denver District Attorney's Office)

A woman who was living in the Donovans' home said they were distressed. They fought the eviction even to the point of filing for bankruptcy protection, which stalled their removal. Weeks after the grand jury indictment was returned, those inside the Littleton home finally moved out.

"They actually did think that they bought the home, so they took really good care of it," Troy Donovan said.

Inside it looked pretty good, while the backyard was overgrown with weeds.

"Yeah it's over, it's over, I can sleep at night," Troy Donovan said.

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