In a stunning turn of events, a squatter named Brian Rodriguez, who allegedly commandeered and rented out rooms in a $1 million house in Queens, New York, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges during his court appearance on Thursday. This comes after the homeowner, Adele Andaloro, was arrested last month for attempting to change the locks in an effort to reclaim her property from intruders.

According to the Queens District Attorney, Rodriguez forcefully reentered Andaloro's home on February 29th, pushing his way inside as she desperately tried to hold the door closed. Asserting that he was a lawful tenant and claiming that Andaloro was attempting an illegal eviction, Rodriguez managed to have Andaloro removed from the premises. It is important to note that in New York, it is against the law to cut off utilities, change locks, or remove belongings of someone claiming to be a tenant.

Determined not to surrender her beloved house, Andaloro took her case to the Queens District Attorney's office, prompting an investigation. Subsequently, a warrant was issued for Rodriguez's arrest, leading to his plea of not guilty to a five-count indictment on Thursday. The charges he is facing include second-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree criminal trespass, and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

During the court hearing, Rodriguez's attorney, Jerald Levine, raised concerns over the negative publicity surrounding the case. Levine revealed that his client's tires had been slashed, and his mother had experienced health issues due to the press coverage. He mentioned that Rodriguez had previously worked for an organization serving the indigent but refrained from disclosing its name publicly.

Assistant District Attorney William Jorgenson requested Judge Toni Cimino to set bail at $100,000 and impose a restraining order to keep Rodriguez away from Andaloro. The judge granted the order of protection, but instead of bail, Rodriguez was released on supervised home confinement. It was reported that the squatter has prior convictions for burglary and narcotics offenses.

Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, emphasized that this case underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law. Katz stated that claiming rights over someone else's property without permission is false and unacceptable. She expressed gratitude for the media's coverage of the case, asserting that it sends a clear message.

In previous interviews, Rodriguez had claimed to be a victim himself, alleging that he had spent $25,000 renovating the house and had been deceived by a fake real estate agent named "Ronnie Ferg." However, before his arrest, Rodriguez had indicated willingness to cooperate, stating his intention to vacate the premises and return the house to Andaloro.

The legal battle between Adele Andaloro and Brian Rodriguez is far from over, as both parties prepare for their next court appearance scheduled for May 13. As the case continues to unfold, the community watches closely, hoping for justice and clarity in this complex situation.