Queens Pair Indicted for Bayside Home Occupation

Two defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges involving the illegal occupation of a vacant Bayside residence.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Property Crime

Queens Pair Indicted for Bayside Home Occupation

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A grand jury has indicted 41-year-old defendants Vernon Glass and Lusascha Taylor for allegedly occupying a Bayside, Queens home for over two years. Authorities arrested the pair at the property following an investigation into the status of the residence.

Why it matters

The property had remained unoccupied after the previous owner died without heirs in 2018, leading to a lengthy legal dispute over custody of the home. The case highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to reclaim vacant residential properties.

Vernon Glass and Lusascha Taylor were arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on charges of burglary, grand larceny, and criminal trespass. Justice David Kirschner set bail at $15,000 cash or $25,000 bond for Glass and $7,500 cash or $15,000 bond for Taylor.

The players

Vernon Glass

He is a 41-year-old defendant who has pleaded not guilty to burglary and other charges related to the home occupation.

Lusascha Taylor

She is a 41-year-old defendant who faces multiple felony counts and has pleaded not guilty in Queens Supreme Court.

David Kirschner

He is a Justice presiding over the criminal proceedings at the Queens Supreme Court.

The details

The defendants allegedly resided in the house for approximately two and a half years, even listing the address on their driver's licenses. The District Attorney's office utilized surveillance to track their activities before executing the arrest and padlocking the house.

The previous owner of the home passed away in 2018.
The Public Administrator was declared the home's custodian in May 2026.
The defendants were arrested at the property on September 24, 2026.
The pair was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on September 25, 2026.
The defendants are scheduled to return to court on October 1, 2026.

Legal Context

This case reflects broader efforts to enforce New York state burglary and criminal trespass statutes regarding unauthorized property occupation. Prosecution patterns in this jurisdiction emphasize reclaiming homes that lack clear heirs or active management.

The clearing and securing of the property serves as a safety advisory for residents regarding vacant homes in the neighborhood. This enforcement action aims to restore legal possession to the Public Administrator while addressing concerns over unauthorized residential use.

The takeaway

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum potential prison sentence of 15 years. This case underscores the importance of public records and official custodianship for properties left without clear heirs.