Queens, NY – Lance White-Hunt has been sentenced after admitting guilt to identity theft, offering a false instrument for filing, and tampering with physical evidence. He unlawfully occupied a home in Jamaica, presenting forged leasing documents to claim tenancy. As part of the sentence, White-Hunt is required to pay restitution covering the homeowner’s legal fees and property damages.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized that removing squatters is a priority for her office, noting the defendant’s legal challenge against the homeowner in this case. Katz expressed satisfaction with the case brought by her Housing and Worker Protection Bureau, which led to White-Hunt’s guilty plea to three felonies. The sentence includes restitution and 20 days of community service.
White-Hunt, a 24-year-old from Brooklyn, received his sentence Monday from Supreme Court Justice Toni Cimino: five years’ probation and $3,900 in restitution. The guilty plea was entered on September 26.
The case began on February 23, when a property owner listed the Jamaica home for rent via Top Nest Properties. A broker noticed continuous vacancy until March 1, when the locks were altered.
