Open in App
  • Local
  • Headlines
  • Election
  • Crime Map
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Education
  • Real Estate
  • Newsletter
  • ABCNY

    Squatter accused of trespassing at Jamaica, Queens home takes plea deal, avoids jail time

    2024-09-27

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2NNiNb_0vmQYYN200

    It's a squatting case unlike any other prosecutors have seen before.

    Lance White-Hunt, 24, was accused of trespassing inside a Jamaica, Queens home, then suing the homeowner for illegal eviction and forging a fake lease and utility bills to claim he had a right to be there.

    White-Hunt was facing 18 charges and the possibility of 15 years behind bars. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said he took a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to identity theft, offering a false instrument for filing tampering with physical evidence.

    He'll return to Queens County Criminal Court in November and is expected to be sentenced to five years probation, 20 days of community service and he must pay $3,900 for the victim's attorney fees.

    It's a case Eyewitness News has been following that started back in March of this year.

    Real estate broker Ejona Bardhi showed up to a home in Jamaica, Queens that she was showing to potential renters.

    However, when she checked on the property, the locks were changed and Lance White-Hunt was inside.

    "And the first thing he says is 'Can I help you? I'm a tenant here, I've been a tenant here since January,'" Bardhi said. "And I said 'No you haven't I was just here doing a showing.'"

    She called police, and when they showed up, White-Hunt left. But then he did something prosecutors haven't seen before. White-Hunt filed a civil suit against the homeowner and realtor claiming he was illegally evicted.

    On top of that, prosecutors say he forged a fake lease and fake utility bills.

    That's when Queens District Attorney Katz got involved and filed charges against him.

    "It's very audacious and it's also just plain wrong," Katz said.

    "You can't walk into a house that's not your and claim you have a right to stay and then, by the way, sue the person that owns it," Katz said. "I want to send a very clear message, that's not happening and in the city of New York, it shouldn't be allowed to happen."

    Eyewitness News reached out to White-Hunt's attorney who hasn't responded.

    ----------

    DO YOU NEED A STORY INVESTIGATED? Dan Krauth, Kristin Thorne, and the 7 On Your Side Investigates team at Eyewitness News want to hear from you! Call our confidential tip line 1-877-TIP-NEWS (847-6397) or fill out the form BELOW.

    You can also contact Dan Krauth directly:

    Email your questions, issues, or story ideas to 7OnYourSideDan@abc.com

    Facebook: DanKrauthReports

    Twitter: @ DanKrauthABC7

    Instagram: @DanKrauth

    Related Search

    Squatting lawsProperty crimeHome evictionCriminal justice systemIdentity theftKristin Thorne

    Comments / 6

    Add a Comment
    Kathy Noel
    30d ago
    that's the problem plea deals no put him in jail they're he's going to get 3 meals,television and a place to sleep
    Watchful eyes
    09-29
    He is a bum, so where is he going to get $3,900 dollars from? Should be in jail.
    View all comments

    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    Local News newsLocal News
    Vision Pet Care28 days ago
    The Shenandoah (PA) Sentinel21 days ago
    Jacksonville Today12 hours ago
    The Shenandoah (PA) Sentinel8 days ago
    Robert Russell Shaneyfelt22 days ago

    Comments / 0