Overview

• Marco Velazquez discovered alleged squatters in his South Side Chicago home, who falsely claimed ownership with a forged mortgage document.
• Unable to remove the squatters due to Illinois law, Velazquez moved into the home, eventually paying $4,300 in a cash-for-keys agreement to reclaim his property.
• One alleged squatter, Shermaine Powell-Gillard, has a history of similar offenses and faces charges in a separate case involving forged documents and trespassing.
• Chicago police have not made arrests or confirmed an investigation in Velazquez's case, though he is cooperating with detectives.
• Illinois Senate Bill 1563, designed to streamline the removal of squatters upon proof of ownership, has advanced to the full House for consideration, reflecting growing legislative momentum.