A new home purchase has turned into a nightmare for a New York couple after they were unable to move in due to an unwanted guest refusing to leave the premises. Ryan Folts and his girlfriend, Caitlin Pitts, purchased the home at an auction in Rochester last January, aware that it was in foreclosure and already occupied. However, they had no idea they were walking into a situation that would become a living nightmare. The couple has faced significant challenges in trying to remove the squatter, who has not only refused to leave but has also allegedly threatened their lives. Despite taking all the proper legal steps, Folts and Pitts say they’ve been left with no resolution, forcing them to seek help from the public and questioning the system that has failed them.
Folts explained that the situation began amicably enough. He initially offered the squatter $500 a month to stay in the house, hoping to find a compromise. However, the arrangement quickly turned sour when the squatter responded with a chilling threat: if Folts returned, he would take his life. Undeterred, Folts and Pitts decided to pursue the legal route, believing that following the proper channels would lead to a resolution. They went through the court process, obtained the necessary paperwork, and even scheduled a lockout date for the squatter in late December. But when the deadline passed, the squatter remained, and the couple was left in limbo. Despite their efforts, the squatter continues to occupy the home, leaving Folts and Pitts feeling powerless and frustrated.
The couple has also sought assistance from local law enforcement, but their efforts have been met with limited success. Folts recounted how Rochester Police officers visited the home but were unable to take action. When the officers attempted to enter the property, they were reportedly met by the squatter, and instead of intervening, they walked away, stating that it wasn’t their job to handle evictions. Captain Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department confirmed this, explaining that the department lacks the legal authority to execute evictions. Bello emphasized that evictions are handled by the city marshal, a position separate from the Rochester Police Department, and that a court order is required for officers to forcibly remove someone from a property. While Bello acknowledged the couple’s frustration, he reiterated that the police must act within the bounds of the law and the courts.
The situation has taken a significant toll on Folts and Pitts, both emotionally and financially. After selling their previous home and expecting to move into their new property, they have instead been forced to live in a hotel, paying for a storage unit to hold their belongings. Pitts described the experience as “not fun,” and the couple is now feeling the strain of their predicament. “We’re staying every night in a hotel because we thought we were going to have somewhere to go,” Pitts said. “We’re paying for a storage unit, paying for a hotel every night, and it’s been going on for a month.” The couple is also grappling with feelings of vulnerability, as they feel they’ve become targets for the squatter. “We have a target on our back now, and why, when we’ve done everything right?” Pitts asked.
Folts and Pitts have expressed their concerns about the squatter’s behavior, which they believe goes beyond mere trespassing. They allege that the squatter has threatened them, burglarized the property, and continues to live there for free, all while struggling with mental health issues. Pitts believes that the situation calls for the intervention of mental health professionals, as the squatter’s behavior appears to be a sign of deeper underlying problems. “He’s burglarizing. He’s trespassing. He’s threatening people. … He needs to go,” Pitts said. The couple has also called on the public for help, hoping that someone might be able to provide support or guidance in resolving the situation.
As the standoff continues, Folts and Pitts are beginning to lose hope. They have considered the possibility of never moving into the home, fearing that the squatter’s presence will always pose a threat to their safety and well-being. “I don’t see us ever living here, because I feel as though there would definitely be a target on our back, and it would be way too dangerous,” Folts said. “And we would never be able to relax. So, we’re just going to try and sell it at some point, if we can even do that.” For now, the couple remains in limbo, caught in a system that seems unable or unwilling to help them reclaim their home. Their story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by homeowners dealing with squatters and the often-frustrating legal processes that can leave them feeling powerless.
