Affiliates of ‘squatter removal’ service arraigned for middle-of-night forcible removal of family in San Bruno

Inside the property at the time, according to prosecutors, was a man who had lived in the home for 45 years. His mother, the former property owner, was deceased and the property had been sold, but the man continued to live there with his family. He had not been evicted.

Jacobs’ company is the controversial ASAP Squatter Removal, a sole proprietorship based in San Francisco, according to a business profile with the Better Business Bureau. ASAP has received media attention in the last year for its aggressive approach to removing squatters in the Bay Area. The company website features a prominent photo of Jacobs dressed in black and wielding a samurai-style sword.

ASAP officials declined to respond to a request for comment on the charges.

The company’s website touts the service for its expertise in “tactical defense.”

While other companies rely “on law enforcement relationships ... we bring real-world combat training and experience to the table,” the site said.

The site notes that squatter removal “can be unpredictable,” with some squatters linked to gangs or organized crime. For this reason, ASAP’s equipment includes firearms — “shotguns, rifles and pistols” — full body armor, flash bangs and smoke grenades as well as tear gas and “custom ammunition.”

The site markets ASAP’s speed and effectiveness and contrasts it with the languid pace and inconsistent results achieved by attorneys using the legal system.

ASAP claims an over 95% success rate and boasts that “we are experts in real estate law, home security, surveillance, and close-quarters combat.”

The website describes a typical engagement as beginning with site surveillance so the squatters can be identified and the situation scoped.

“Whether posing as homeless individuals, workers, or other everyday roles, we observe without detection. Our team gathers detailed intelligence through covert videos and photos, monitoring all activity day and night,” the site said.

With that information, the service implements its specialty removal service.

“We have dozens of proven strategies tailored to every squatter situation. No matter how many there are, how smart they think they are, or how dangerous they may be -- we always get them out,” the website said.

Part of ASAP’s process involves obtaining from the property owner the legal right to enter the property. In the case of the Allen Drive property, prosecutors said that an ASAP employee leased the property from the owner, “giving them residency rights over the property.”

The website says, “We remove unwanted occupants quickly and legally while ensuring you are never liable for our actions. As independent contractors, we make all decisions ourselves — you don’t give us orders, and we don’t act on your behalf.”

Potential customers are advised, “Don’t ask about our methods — The less you know, the safer you are.”

Prosecutors listed a variety of felony charges against the defendants, including burglary, assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment and firearms offenses.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Jacobs and Gutierez pleaded not guilty to all charges. They declined to waive their speedy trial rights and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 3 in San Mateo County Superior Court. They are free on $50,000 bail bonds.

Regalado, the third individual, is subject to an outstanding arrest warrant.

ASAP’s website is also used for recruitment, pitching high pay and dangerous work.

“Every job comes with real risks -- you could get injured, killed, or arrested. That’s why we pay more than any military, law enforcement, or armed security job -- hazard pay is serious,” the site said.

Recruits must go through a company “training academy.”

The site said, “This work isn’t for anyone -- only those who can handle danger, move smart, and get the job done right. If you’re about action, not excuses, apply now.”