A massive party at a $4.3 million mansion in Weddington, North Carolina — allegedly held without the owner’s permission — landed one man in jail. WSOC-TV reports that 37-year-old Michael Brown broke into a client’s home and held a graduation party for his son while the owners were away. Brown was charged with breaking and entering, property damage and obtaining property by false pretenses. He has since posted a $10,000 secured bond.

Brown, however, maintains his actions weren’t criminal. “I didn’t break the law, I just broke some rules, probably, with my owners…but I didn’t break the law,” he told WSOC-TV reporters.

Officers say they were called to the million-dollar mansion on Twelve Mile Creek Road last Saturday night after neighbors reported blocked roads, loud noise and a traffic hazard. When they arrived, they say Brown first claimed to be the homeowner, then the homeowner’s grandson, before finally admitting he was the landscaper.

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Brown claims the party was a graduation party for his son and his son’s friends. He told reporters that they were aiming to create a “positive environment” and generate a little income.

But deputies found far more than just a wholesome celebration. “It was mostly teenagers and young adults. We estimate anywhere from three to four hundred people were at the house, and a lot of underage drinking was going on,” Lieutenant James Maye stated.

Deputies also seized more than $3,000 in entrance fees, which Brown says was used to cover security costs. He strongly denied charging a cover fee or telling police he owned the home.

“I never spoke to them about anything, about who stayed there or who owned the place. It wasn’t my right to tell them that, because it’s private property,” Brown told reporters.

The homeowners’ son, Jante Burch, claims Brown has taken advantage of his parents’ generosity and insisted his parents didn’t know about the party, saying, “He’s a liar, number one; clearly he told multiple stories to the officers.”

While Brown insists he won’t lose the Burch family as a client, Burch disagrees.

“In fact, not only has he lost a client, he’s probably lost all of the other clients that he had gotten in that neighborhood,” Burch [told reporters}(https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/homeowners-son-speaks-out-after-massive-unauthorized-party-familys-mansion/LRDCKMMRZBBJJHAITWL3JKOSLU/).

Brown has since posted a $10,000 bond and faces charges of breaking and entering, property damage, and obtaining property by false pretenses. There’s no public record yet of any court appearance or scheduled hearing date; the case appears to still be in the pre-trial phase.

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How to vet in-home service providers

Incidents like this raise big legal and financial questions for homeowners. If a party is thrown at your home, who is responsible if something goes wrong? If a party is thrown on your property without your consent, you’re typically not liable for damages or illegal behavior that occurs, as long as you didn’t authorize it or turn a blind eye to it.

Still, proving that you didn’t know can be difficult, which is why vetting service providers is so important. And this situation highlights just how quickly trust can be abused when the wrong person gains access to your home. Here are a few ways to protect yourself when hiring someone to work in your home:

• Check references: Ask for references and search for online reviews. A legitimate business should have a visible online presence and a verifiable track record.

• Verify licenses and insurance: Landscapers and contractors are usually required to carry liability insurance and may need a license. Double-check the requirements in your state and verify they have the required documentation.

• Be cautious: Just because someone seems friendly and trustworthy doesn’t mean they are. Don’t provide more access than needed, and set up security cameras when you’re away.

• Watch for red flags: Avoid anyone who pressures you for cash payments, can’t provide references, doesn’t have a business name, or seems evasive when you ask about past clients.

Above all, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it likely is. Installing security cameras while you’re away and changing the locks after ending a relationship with a service provider can help limit your risk and ensure your property remains secure.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.