Monsey - Couple charged; tried to live in abandoned house

MONSEY – Ramapo officers arrested a Monsey couple on Sunday morning and accused them of trying to move into a boarded-up house, police said.

Avraham and Bat Sheva Barouk had been evicted from their apartment and claimed squatters rights at 200a Route 306 , police said.

The property had been boarded up and the utilities shut off, with no running water or functioning bathrooms, police said. 

A cable that was placed across the driveway had been cut to allow vehicles to pass and electric service was provided by jumping the meter, but the house was in disrepair and the exterior was overgrown and in neglect, police said.

The couple refused to leave at the request of the property manager and officers, who explained the options to them, police said.

Avraham Barouk was charged with misdemeanor counts of second-degree criminal trespass second-degree and obstructing governmental administration.

Bat Sheva Barouk was charged with second-degree criminal trespass and resisting arrest.

Justice Alan Simon released them without bail for a court hearing and ordered them to stay off the property.