New York City family hires security guard to watch Queens couple return home from squat after paying $2 million

Metro

by Katherine Donlevy

A Queens family whose dream home was taken over by squatters has reportedly hired a celebrity security guard to keep an eye on their $2 million mansion.

Susanna and Joseph Landa, both 68, have not been able to enter their Douglaston, Queens, home since signing the contract in October.

Heavy security guards were stationed outside the mansion Thursday, a day after news broke that the homeowner’s previous caretaker had refused to leave the property.

“I work for the owner of this house. These guys are good people, but it’s unfortunate that something like this is happening,” the security guard told the Daily Mail.

“Maybe there are two. [in the house]. That shouldn’t happen.no matter who made it [squatters’ rights] Rule up and you’re smoking some kind of crack. ”

Although he declined to give his name, the warden acknowledged that he has handled high-profile cases in the past, including standing guard at the 2021 wedding of Bill Gates’ daughter.

The security measures are the latest in a series of desperate attempts by the Landas to wrest control of the property from squatters. The Landas worked as caretakers for the former owner for $3,000 a week until he passed away in January 2023.

Brett Flores, 32, repeatedly claims that the previous owner gave him “permission” to live in the home, even though the Landas legally purchased the home in October. ing.

The couple had high expectations for this home. This location, close to relatives, was the perfect location for their son Alex, who has Down syndrome, and could easily be taken care of if something were to happen to the couple.

“All I want to know is that I could die tomorrow and he’ll be next to my brother,” Susana Landa told ABC 7.

The squatters are not only raking in the Landa family’s dime, they are even renting out a room in the mansion.

The couple unsuccessfully tried to evict Mr. Flores, and his recent bankruptcy declaration protects him from termination.

The Landa family has had five hearings in civil court since purchasing the home, but the process continues to be stalled by Flores’ antics.

The couple is taking Flores to Landlord/Tenant Court to have him evicted, but a court hearing is not scheduled until April.

“I feel completely forgotten, unfair and unable to do anything in this legal system,” Joseph Landa said.