Brooklyn Squatter Admits to Illegally Occupying Jamaica Home
Criminal Charges Stem from Forged Lease Documentation
A Brooklyn man has pleaded guilty to squatting at a home on Lakewood Avenue in Jamaica and subsequently taking the rightful homeowner to Civil Court with forged lease paperwork.
Plea Details
Lance White-Hunt, 24, of 18th Street in South Slope, pleaded guilty to identity theft in the first degree, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, and tampering with physical evidence, Queens District Attorney Melinda Kats announced on Friday.
As part of his plea, White-Hunt is expected to pay restitution to cover the victim’s attorney fees for a civil suit he brought against the rightful owner and her broker.
Investigation and Charges
According to the charges, on or about February 23, 2024, the owner of a home on Lakewood Avenue listed it for rent through a broker at Top Nest Properties. The broker visited the location multiple times a week and observed the entire house to be vacant, all the windows closed and undamaged, and the two front doors locked. She also had a functioning key for the two front doors.
However, on March 1, the broker made a regularly scheduled stop at the property and observed that the locks had been changed on the front door leading to the studio unit of the residence and her key no longer worked. Three days later, the broker arrived at the residence and observed that the locks had been changed on the front door leading to the upstairs unit. She also observed White-Hunt inside the residence.
Forced Documentation
The police were called to the home, and White-Hunt said he had been staying at the location since January. He provided a purported lease with the broker and Top Nest Properties listed as the landlords. The broker reviewed the lease and determined that she had never seen the document and that her signature on it was forged. The broker’s statements were corroborated by the owner of Top Nest Properties.
White-Hunt also provided bills from National Grid and AT&T as purported proof of residence. Both companies later confirmed that the provided account numbers did not exist in their official records.
Civil Suit
On March 14, White-Hunt filed a lawsuit against the homeowner’s LLC, the broker, and Top Nest Properties for an illegal lockout. As part of the civil suit, White-Hunt filed a residential lease that was determined to have been forged and the document was a different lease than that provided by the defendant to officers on scene on March 4. The civil lawsuit was later discontinued with prejudice.
Sentence and Restitution
Following an investigation into the matter by the District Attorney’s office, White-Hunt was arrested on May 13 by members of the District Attorney’s Detective Bureau.
Queens Supreme Court Justice Toni Comino ordered White-Hunt to return to court on November 6, when he is expected to be sentenced to five years’ probation, 20 days of community service, and pay $3,900 in restitution.
Consequences
"We have not only held the defendant accountable but have also secured restitution for the victim who has spent a hefty sum on legal fees and home repair because of the defendant’s actions," Katz said.
Protecting Properties
Katz and Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato hosted an informative webinar on ways in which homeowners can protect their properties from squatters, acknowledging it as a "huge problem" across the borough.
"My office is committed to protecting property owners from fraud, scams, and criminal trespass in Queens," Katz said.
Conclusion
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and documentation in protecting one’s property rights. Homeowners are advised to regularly inspect their properties and maintain accurate records of maintenance and upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some common tactics used by squatters?
A: Squatters may use forged leases, utility bills, or other documentation to claim tenancy. They may also attempt to intimidate or bribe property owners into agreeing to their demands.
Q: How can property owners protect themselves from squatting?
A: Regularly inspect your property, maintain accurate records, and consider installing security measures such as cameras and gates. Document any maintenance and upkeep to deter squatters from claiming the property is abandoned.
Q: What are the consequences of squatting?
A: Squatting can result in criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment. Property owners may also recover damages and attorney fees.
Q: How can I report suspected squatting?
A: Report suspected squatting to the local authorities, such as the police or district attorney’s office. Provide detailed information and evidence to assist in the investigation.
