Prison fence. Grid fence with barbed wire against sunset. Barbed wire. Security measures for prisoners in prison.

Flushing squatter 'landlord' flushed could soon find temporary housing arrangement in prison — Prison fence. Grid fence with barbed wire against sunset. Barbed wire. Security measures for prisoners in prison.

QUEENS, N.Y. — A Flushing man accused of illegally occupying a single-family home and renting out rooms to others has pleaded guilty to a felony and faces two years in prison, the Queens District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday. Brian Rodriguez, 36, of East Flushing, admitted to falsely reporting an incident in the second degree and will also face five years of post-release supervision.

The case stems from an incident early last year when homeowner Adele Andaloro discovered that Rodriguez had unlawfully entered her unoccupied property on 160th Street in Flushing. Rodriguez changed the locks, claimed to be a legal tenant, and rented rooms to others, though he could not provide evidence of a lease.

On February 17, 2024, Andaloro found her keys no longer worked and observed Rodriguez inside the home without her permission. Days later, she saw other unauthorized individuals staying at the property. After re-entering the house on February 29 and changing the locks, Andaloro was confronted by Rodriguez, who forced his way back into the residence, prompting police involvement.

Rodriguez falsely claimed to officers that he was a legal tenant being harassed by Andaloro. As a result, the homeowner was removed from her property. Following her report to the District Attorney’s Office, an investigation by the Housing and Worker Protection Bureau confirmed Rodriguez’s actions and led to his arrest.

“This guilty plea and forthcoming prison term is a monumental achievement in our quest for justice on behalf of Queens homeowners,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “It is neither legal nor acceptable to enter someone’s home illegally and claim you have a right to stay.”

Rodriguez will be sentenced on March 28 and is expected to serve a two-year determinate prison term followed by five years of post-release supervision.

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