Posted on 12/23/2025 2:59:54 PM PST by xxqqzz
BETHESDA, Md. (WBFF) — A $2.3 million home in one of Maryland’s wealthiest neighborhoods has become the latest test of the state’s ability to respond to squatting, exposing how legal gaps, slow court processes, and limited enforcement can leave communities waiting for action – even when ownership is clear and criminal complaints are filed.
The Bethesda case, now winding through Montgomery County courts, mirrors a pattern Spotlight on Maryland has documented statewide: Vacant homes, disputed occupancy, and neighbors caught between civil law and public safety concerns. Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy’s office said it cannot comment on this matter because “cases are pending” at this time.
...
“We heard about squatters in the news but never thought it would be next door to where we all grew up,” said James, who has lived for years in the wealthy Bethesda community. He requested to be identified only by his first name for safety reasons.
...
During that vacancy window, residents say alleged squatters moved in. ...
Criminal charges and a driveway arrest Court records show at least one neighbor also filed criminal complaints, including trespassing charges, against the occupants. On Dec. 8, those efforts culminated in Pollard’s arrest.
Video from the scene shows Pollard being taken into custody in the mansion’s driveway after police executed a trespassing warrant.
Pollard’s arrest exposed a much broader criminal history.
Pollard is now also facing extradition to Pennsylvania on multiple vehicle theft charges, accused of stealing luxury cars from a dealership parking lot in Lancaster. Court records further show a lengthy criminal record, including a federal case involving the transportation of stolen vehicles across state lines and possession of more than 100 grams of heroin.
For neighbors, the arrest validated long-held fears about who was living next door.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxbaltimore.com ...
He told her she had to leave. She complained and said with all of this stuff it would take her a couple of days to move. So he agreed to give her two more days.
Well, she didn't leave, and the courts told the guy that he allowed her on his property. And now it becomes a tenant right's issue on the terms of how long she can stay. I think he finally got her off the property after going through all of the process after several months.
He said if he had told her to leave, she was trespassing, and I am calling the police if you don't leave immediately then she would have had to leave. But instead he wanted to be a nice guy....
Water cannons. I really like water cannons.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.