State denies dumping homeless sex offenders in Osceola County

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. —

Nearly a dozen homeless registered sex offenders claim they were dumped in the woods in Osceola County by the Florida Department of Corrections.

The DOC denied the claims, but confirmed that half of the registered sex offenders in Osceola County live in the same camp off Old Vineland Road.

Since 9 Investigates reported on the homeless camp, no trespassing signs have gone up on the property, effectively evicting the homeless sex offenders, along with dozens of other homeless people living there.

Neighbors like Myra Lugo are relieved to see the homeless campers go.

The camp is basically in her backyard and she has had to call police in the past. But officers could not remove the homeless campers because the property owner had not accused them of trespassing.

The owner, Charles Cordes, purchased the property in August and plans to develop the land. He met with the campers Tuesday and then had the no trespassing signs put up, police said.

Cordes is working with the Kissimmee Police Department to relocate the 40 people who were living on the property.

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