QUEENS, NY—Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the indictment of Brian Rodriguez, 35, on multiple charges for unlawfully occupying a single-family home in Flushing and renting out rooms without the owner’s consent. The charges include burglary and grand larceny among others.
The case unfolded when homeowner Adele Andaloro visited the property she inherited to find the locks changed and unauthorized occupants inside. Rodriguez, found residing in the home, falsely claimed he was a legal tenant. Subsequent confrontations led to him forcibly re-entering the home even after the locks were changed by Andaloro.
Rodriguez was arraigned today and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. His actions sparked a significant response from the District Attorney’s office, emphasizing the illegality of occupying a residence without permission and then claiming tenancy rights.
The case highlights the complexities surrounding property rights and illegal squatting, with a court date set for May 13 as the legal process continues.