Latest news with #MarcoVelazquez
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
This Chicago man did something wild when alleged squatters wouldn't leave his home — he moved in with them
When Marco Velazquez, a Chicago homeowner, discovered squatters living in his South Side property, he didn't leave. Instead, he stayed the night. 'I couldn't believe it,' Velazquez told ABC 7 News, after finding the home he was preparing to sell was already occupied. 'It was like a nightmare.' Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) The intruders, a woman named Shermaine Powell-Gillard and her boyfriend, Codarro, claimed they had purchased the property and even produced a mortgage document for police. But when Velazquez checked with Cook County officials, no such mortgage was on record. To his shock, the police couldn't help. 'The worst thing happened when police told me they couldn't do anything. It needs to go to a civil court,' he said, indicating that Illinois law prevented officers from removing the pair without a court order, despite Velazquez holding the deed. Determined not to let go of his home, Velazquez made an unusual choice. 'I said, 'I'm not going to leave.' Called a couple friends, stayed overnight and I knew they were not going to like that,' he told ABC 7's I Team. He, his wife and some friends camped out in the living room while the alleged squatters took one of the bedrooms. 'We stayed a whole night with them … watching the door,' Velazquez recalled. The next morning, Velazquez was given an ultimatum. 'They were like, we want $8,000 of what we paid, so we can leave your property,' he said. Though reluctant, Velazquez eventually negotiated a cash-for-key deal. He paid the couple $4,300 in exchange for their leaving and signing a release, as he feared what might happen otherwise. 'We didn't want to give them money, but we heard really bad stories about squatters taking over properties for six, eight, 10 months, even a year,' he said. Weeks later, a police detective told Velazquez that Powell-Gillard had also allegedly squatted in another home owned by Marcia and Carlton Lee. In that case, Powell-Gillard was arrested and charged with burglary, forgery, obstructing identification and criminal residential trespassing. Powell-Gillard has denied all accusations, stating that claims she is a squatter are 'false and unfounded,' and emphasized that she is 'innocent until proven guilty,' says ABC 7. The Chicago Police Department has not confirmed if they're investigating Velazquez's case. No one has been arrested or charged. Read more: BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has an important message for the next wave of American retirees — here's how he says you can best weather the US retirement crisis Velazquez's case underscores a broader legal issue: why property disputes involving squatters often fall under civil — not criminal — law. In Illinois and many other states, once someone establishes 'possession' of a home, even wrongfully, it can be difficult to distinguish them from a legal tenant. That means a legal eviction process must occur before law enforcement can step in. Under the current Illinois law, police often need clear evidence of criminal behavior, like a break-in or vandalism, to act. Like in Velazquez's case, if the squatter presents a lease, mortgage, utility bills or other documents — whether forged or not — police typically don't have the authority to assess authenticity on the spot. Instead, the dispute moves to civil court, where a judge can determine rightful ownership. But this may not be the case for much longer. ABC 7 reports that Senate Bill 1563 is working toward allowing police to remove squatters and skip the eviction process. The bill still has to be passed by the full Illinois House and would then be sent to the governor's desk for final approval. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
‘Squatters' Refuse to Leave Illinois Man's Home, So He Moves in With Them
National 'Squatters' Refuse to Leave Illinois Man's Home, So He Moves in With Them Chicago. File photo: the skyline of Chicago. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP A state lawmaker has spoken out over the plight of a Chicago property owner who took matters into his own hands by moving in with alleged squatters who refused to vacate his home. Marco Velazquez, who owns a South Side property and was preparing it for sale told local media he took action when his estate agent discovered two people already in the house. Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford told Newsweek: "I am distraught by the situation that Marco Velazquez has faced. This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges that many property owners encounter across Illinois." Newsweek has contacted Chicago police outside of regular working hours via email for comment. Why It Matters Squatting disputes in Illinois, and particularly in Chicago, have drawn increasing attention as homeowners encounter major legal hurdles when trying to remove unauthorized occupants. Under current state law, police often cannot immediately remove individuals who claim to have a right to be on the property. The episode has brought renewed attention to Illinois' laws around property rights and squatting, as lawmakers consider revisions to how law enforcement can respond to such incidents. Just last month, a proposed "Squatter Bill" sponsored by Ford was passed in the state Senate and is awaiting further action in the House. What To Know The alleged squatters, identified as Shermaine Powell-Gillard and her boyfriend Codarro, claimed they had purchased the home owned by Velazquez, according to local news outlet ABC7 Chicago. They showed the police a mortgage document but Cook County officers did not find the mortgage on record, said the report. Velazquez told an ABC reporter police informed him that they weren't able to do anything and that the case needed to go to a civil court. "When police told me they couldn't do anything, I said, 'I'm not going to leave,'" Velazquez said. "I called a couple of friends, stayed overnight and I knew they were not going to like that." Ford said a loophole in existing laws gives people "legal standing to illegally possess real estate owned by property owners." Velazquez, his wife, and several friends spent the night on air mattresses in the home's living room while the couple stayed in one of the bedrooms. "At one point they've got to leave, they've got to get tired of us being in the property," he told the news outlet. After a tense standoff, Powell-Gillard and Codarro allegedly demanded $8,000 to leave the property. Velazquez negotiated a lower amount and ultimately paid $4,300 through a cash-for-keys agreement to get them out. "We didn't want to give them money, but we heard really bad stories about squatters taking over properties for six, eight, 10 months, even a year," Velazquez told ABC. He later learned that Powell-Gillard is the same woman arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including burglary, forgery, criminal trespass, and obstruction of identification, after allegedly squatting in another Chicago home, belonging to Marcia and Carlton Lee. Powell-Gillard denied wrongdoing in a statement, saying the claims are "false and unfounded," and asserted her right to be presumed innocent. No charges have been filed in Velazquez's case to date. What People Are Saying Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford, told Newsweek: "No one should be powerless in their real estate investment, losing control because of criminals and criminal trespassing. Unfortunately, Illinois' law is on the side of the criminal trespasser. The rise in squatting cases is a growing concern nationwide, including in Illinois. The number one reason is a loophole in existing laws that gives criminals legal standing to illegally possess real estate owned by property owners. When laws do not adequately protect property owners, they create environments where such abuses can thrive." He added: "We need robust legislative action to address these issues. I am proud to sponsor the state's Squatter Bill, which aims to strengthen property owners' protections and streamline law enforcement's process for addressing unlawful occupancy. I stand with Mr. Velazquez and all homeowners struggling with similar challenges, and I am committed to working collaboratively with community leaders and law enforcement to find practical solutions." Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins, discussing the proposed "Squatters Bill" last month, according to ABC7: "Senate Bill 1563 will give clarity for law enforcement to go in and remove trespassers. Squatters currently have to go through the legal process, which is sometimes long and lengthy, and it's a burden for someone trying to remove them from their property." Newsweek has contacted the office of Senator Collins outside of regular working hours via email for comment. What Happens Next With pressure mounting over a spate of squatting incidents, Illinois lawmakers may soon be forced to reexamine the balance between property rights and due process. Related Articles 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC. This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 8:06 AM.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Fed-up Chicago resident gives entitled squatters who refused to leave his house a dose of their own medicine
A Chicago homeowner grew so fed up with a group of alleged squatters who refused to leave his property that he decided to move in with them. Marco Velazquez, who owns the property in the South Side of the Windy City, had been preparing to sell the home when his estate agent discovered a couple inside it. Shermaine Powell-Gillard and her boyfriend Codarro claimed that they had purchased the home, according to ABC7. Velazquez told the outlet that the couple showed police officers who were called to the address documents claiming they had a mortgage for the address. A search of county records indicated however that no mortgage record actually existed. Officers on the scene told Velazquez there was nothing they could do for him, due to state laws, and that he would need to take them to civil court. He then decided to move in. His wife and his friends joined him for the overnight, he added: ''We stayed in the living room, we were watching the door at all times. '[The couple] stayed in one of the bedrooms. At one point they've got to leave, they've got to get tired of us being in the property.' The next morning the couple told Velazquez that they would accept $8,000 in exchange for them vacating the address. He had them sign an agreement and managed to negotiate them down, paying them $4,300 to leave the abode. Under Illinois state law, officers are not allowed to remove anyone from a home. Newsweek reported that a loophole exists that gives squatters 'legal standing' to possess real estate owned by property owners. Velazquez added: 'We didn't want to give them money, but we heard really bad stories about squatters taking over properties for six, eight, 10 months, even a year.' A few weeks after the standoff, Valezquez told the outlet that an officer informed him that Powell-Gillard is accused of squatting at another property. In that incident, she was arrested and charged with burglary, forgery, obstructing identification and criminal residential trespassing. He added: 'I heard stories before about squatters. I never thought it would happen to me.' Powell-Gillard told ABC7 that she is not a squatter and rejected any idea of such a title, saying they were 'false and unfounded'. No charges have been filed in the case of Velazquez. Lawmakers in Chicago are attempting to make changes to laws around property rights, Newsweek reported. Officials are considering revisions to how law enforcement can approach such incidents. A proposed 'Squatter Bill' sponsored by State Representative La Shawn Ford was passed in the state Senate and is awaiting further action. He told the outlet: 'I am distraught by the situation that Marco Velazquez has faced. 'This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges that many property owners encounter across Illinois.'
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Newsweek
Squatters Refuse to Leave Illinois Man's Home, So He Moves in With Them
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A state lawmaker has spoken out over the plight of a Chicago property owner who took matters into his own hands by moving in with alleged squatters who refused to vacate his home. Marco Velazquez, who owns a South Side property and was preparing it for sale told local media he took action when his estate agent discovered two people already in the house. Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford told Newsweek: "I am distraught by the situation that Marco Velazquez has faced. This incident is a stark reminder of the challenges that many property owners encounter across Illinois." Newsweek has contacted Chicago police outside of regular working hours via email for comment. Why It Matters Squatting disputes in Illinois, and particularly in Chicago, have drawn increasing attention as homeowners encounter major legal hurdles when trying to remove unauthorized occupants. Under current state law, police often cannot immediately remove individuals who claim to have a right to be on the property. The episode has brought renewed attention to Illinois' laws around property rights and squatting, as lawmakers consider revisions to how law enforcement can respond to such incidents. Just last month, a proposed "Squatter Bill" sponsored by Ford was passed in the state Senate and is awaiting further action in the House. File photo: the skyline of Chicago. File photo: the skyline of Chicago. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP What To Know The alleged squatters, identified as Shermaine Powell-Gillard and her boyfriend Codarro, claimed they had purchased the home owned by Velazquez, according to local news outlet ABC7 Chicago. They showed the police a mortgage document but Cook County officers did not find the mortgage on record, said the report. Velazquez told an ABC reporter police informed him that they weren't able to do anything and that the case needed to go to a civil court. "When police told me they couldn't do anything, I said, 'I'm not going to leave,'" Velazquez said. "I called a couple of friends, stayed overnight and I knew they were not going to like that." Ford said a loophole in existing laws gives people "legal standing to illegally possess real estate owned by property owners." Velazquez, his wife, and several friends spent the night on air mattresses in the home's living room while the couple stayed in one of the bedrooms. "At one point they've got to leave, they've got to get tired of us being in the property," he told the news outlet. After a tense standoff, Powell-Gillard and Codarro allegedly demanded $8,000 to leave the property. Velazquez negotiated a lower amount and ultimately paid $4,300 through a cash-for-keys agreement to get them out. "We didn't want to give them money, but we heard really bad stories about squatters taking over properties for six, eight, 10 months, even a year," Velazquez told ABC. He later learned that Powell-Gillard is the same woman arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including burglary, forgery, criminal trespass, and obstruction of identification, after allegedly squatting in another Chicago home, belonging to Marcia and Carlton Lee. Powell-Gillard denied wrongdoing in a statement, saying the claims are "false and unfounded," and asserted her right to be presumed innocent. No charges have been filed in Velazquez's case to date. What People Are Saying Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford, told Newsweek: "No one should be powerless in their real estate investment, losing control because of criminals and criminal trespassing. Unfortunately, Illinois' law is on the side of the criminal trespasser. The rise in squatting cases is a growing concern nationwide, including in Illinois. The number one reason is a loophole in existing laws that gives criminals legal standing to illegally possess real estate owned by property owners. When laws do not adequately protect property owners, they create environments where such abuses can thrive." He added: "We need robust legislative action to address these issues. I am proud to sponsor the state's Squatter Bill, which aims to strengthen property owners' protections and streamline law enforcement's process for addressing unlawful occupancy. I stand with Mr. Velazquez and all homeowners struggling with similar challenges, and I am committed to working collaboratively with community leaders and law enforcement to find practical solutions." Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins, discussing the proposed "Squatters Bill" last month, according to ABC7: "Senate Bill 1563 will give clarity for law enforcement to go in and remove trespassers. Squatters currently have to go through the legal process, which is sometimes long and lengthy, and it's a burden for someone trying to remove them from their property." Newsweek has contacted the office of Senator Collins outside of regular working hours via email for comment. What Happens Next With pressure mounting over a spate of squatting incidents, Illinois lawmakers may soon be forced to reexamine the balance between property rights and due process.
New York Post
07-05-2025
- New York Post
Chicago homeowner moves in with alleged squatters who refused to leave property
If you can't beat them, join them. A Chicago homeowner turned unwanted guests into unwanted roommates when he moved in with two suspected squatters who had taken over his house and refused to leave. Marco Velazquez was gearing up to sell his property in the city's South Side neighborhood when he received the troubling news from his realtor regarding the unexpected occupants. 6 Marco Velazquez speaks out after two alleged squatters were found inside his home in the South Side of Chicago. ABC 7 'I couldn't believe it. It was like a nightmare,' Velazquez told ABC Chicago. Alleged squatter Shermaine C. Powell and her boyfriend, Codarro T. Dorsey, took refuge in the house and claimed to be the rightful owners of the property when the realtor confronted them. Powell had been arrested weeks earlier after being accused of squatting in another South Side home. She was charged with burglary, forgery, obstructing identification and criminal residential trespassing. When confronted by Velazquez's realtor and police officers, the sly couple showed off an official-looking mortgage document, claiming they had every right to remain in the house. 6 Shermaine C. Powell and her boyfriend, Codarro T. Dorsey, inside the Chicago home while police talk to them about their alleged squatting. ABC 7 6 The South Side home with boards blocking up the front windows. ABC 7 Officials could not find a copy of the mortgage in their records, but were limited on what they could do because of city laws, the outlet reported. Under current Illinois law, police cannot remove any suspected squatters unless the homeowner goes through the months-long eviction process. New legislation, SB1563, making its way through the statehouse, would allow the immediate removal of alleged squatters if the rightful homeowner can prove the property is theirs. The aptly-nicknamed 'Squatter's Bill' has bipartisan backing in the state Senate and House. 6 Powell had been arrested weeks earlier after being accused of squatting in another South Side home. ABC 7 6 The home sits behind a fence with a lock on the South Side of the city. ABC 7 The news frustrated Velazquez as he feared he couldn't do anything about the intruders. 'The worst thing happened, when police told me they couldn't do anything. It needs to go to a civil court,' the he said. Not wanting a court battle or to get kicked out of his property, Velazquez decided to move in. Armed with air mattresses, the rightful owner, his wife and a few friends spent the night with the couple in another room. 'We stayed in the living room, watching the door. They stayed in one of the bedrooms,' Velazquez said. 'We stayed a whole night with them.' 6 Dorsey speaks with Chicago Police officers after they were called to the home to remove the alleged squatters. ABC 7 Velazquez's stunt did not work and the suspected squatters demanded $8,000 to leave the property. The homeowners and the couple negotiated and agreed that Velazquez would pay them $4,300 in a cash-for-key agreement. 'We didn't want to give them money, but we heard really bad stories about squatters taking over properties for six, eight, 10 months, even a year,' Velazquez said. 'I heard stories before about squatters. I never thought it would happen to me.' Powell said she was 'innocent until proven guilty,' after being accused of being a squatter.
