Porsche-driving Long Island squatters evicted by sheriff’s deputies who changed locks, removed their belongings

A pair of accused Porsche-driving squatters who allegedly deceived a judge to gain legal rights to a home they didn’t own were evicted this week by Nassau County sheriff’s deputies, who changed the locks and removed their belongings, including a large-screen TV and their luxury vehicle.

Deputies arrived at the Brussel Drive home in New Hyde Park around 8:30 a.m. Friday, escorting Denton Gayle and Margaret Grover out as they loaded their possessions onto a moving truck.

The couple, who also have a toddler son, placed their dog Daisy in the Porsche as they vacated the two-story Cape Cod, which had been in foreclosure for a decade and abandoned for years following the deaths of its owners.

Neighbors, who were frustrated by the couple’s presence, claimed they had harassed them since appearing at the dilapidated home last year. The situation escalated in October when a concerned 911 caller reported squalid conditions, leading to the couple's arrest.

A Town of North Hempstead building inspector’s report confirmed the unlivable conditions in the structure, noting the absence of heat, electricity, hot water, or functioning bathrooms.

Gayle (29) and Grover (19) then presented themselves to Nassau Housing Court, asserting to Judge Christopher Coschignano that they had entered into a rent-to-own agreement with the deceased owner, Edward Iacono, in July, even providing a lease with Iacono’s alleged signature.

Coschignano initially ruled in their favor, but upon learning of Iacono’s passing and after neighbors presented death certificates, he vacated the order, noting the lack of evidence supporting their claims.

The couple also sought to be recognized as “heirs” to the property, a request that was not granted.

Despite their lawyer's assertion that they were not squatters and believed in the validity of their lease, the eviction proceeded.

“Our residents deserve to live in a safe and peaceful community, and the issues at 39 Brussel prevented that,” said North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Christine Liu, who was present during the eviction. “We thank the Sheriff’s Office for executing the eviction today and finally resolving this matter.”