CHICAGO, IL – In a surprising twist, Marco Velazquez took an unusual step to reclaim his South Side property from alleged squatters. Instead of pursuing a legal eviction, he decided to cohabit with them, hoping to drive them out.
The couple, Charmaine Powell and her partner, insisted they had purchased the house. They showed police paperwork, but no official records supported their claim.
Stymied by Illinois laws that protect occupants, Velazquez enlisted his wife and friends to join him in the home. They camped out in the living room, while Powell and her boyfriend stayed in a bedroom.
Unmoved by the presence of Velazquez and his friends, the couple demanded $8,000 to leave. After negotiations, Velazquez agreed to a $4,300 cash-for-keys settlement, wary of the potential for a drawn-out legal process.
Later, Velazquez learned that Powell was implicated in another squatting case. She faced charges of burglary and forgery in that incident.
Velazquez is now collaborating with detectives, hoping for a resolution. He shares his experience to highlight the challenges of dealing with squatters and the limitations of the legal system.
Powell maintains her innocence, while her boyfriend, Cody Breaux, remains silent. The Chicago Police Department has not confirmed an active investigation into Velazquez’s case.
This case illustrates the difficulties homeowners face when dealing with squatters and the potential for unexpected legal battles.