New York City Councilmember Chi Ossé was arrested on Wednesday morning even as participating in a protest against the eviction of a longtime Brooklyn resident from a Bedford-Stuyvesant brownstone. The demonstration, which drew over two dozen community supporters, was aimed at preventing the removal of Carmella Charrington from her family home amid allegations of deed theft. Ossé, who represents parts of central Brooklyn, was taken into custody by New York Police Department officers after marshals called for backup due to protesters blocking access to the property.
According to an NYPD spokesperson, Ossé and three others were arrested and charged with obstruction of governmental administration and disorderly conduct. Video footage shared on social media showed officers pulling the councilmember to the ground and handcuffing him face down before transporting him to a local precinct. He was later released in the early afternoon and taken to a hospital for evaluation, as stated by his office.
The protest centered on efforts to stop Charrington’s eviction, which she said followed five days spent on Rikers Island after being held in contempt related to a conservatorship case involving her father in Georgia. Speaking with THE CITY after her release, Charrington described the situation as feeling like the 2017 horror film “Obtain Out,” warning that losing the home would cause “four generations of irreparable harm.” Her son, William McFadden, noted that his 6-year-old daughter was deeply affected by the police presence during the incident.
City marshals had arrived at the brownstone to carry out the eviction and to locate Charrington’s father, who is under a court-appointed conservatorship in Georgia. When protesters formed a human chain to impede access, marshals requested police assistance, leading to the arrests. Ossé, a democratic socialist and frequent ally of housing justice advocates, has previously spoken out against predatory property practices that disproportionately affect Black and elderly homeowners in New York City.
Understanding Deed Theft and Its Impact on Vulnerable Homeowners
The demonstration highlighted ongoing concerns about deed theft—a fraudulent practice in which individuals forge documents to illegally transfer property ownership, often targeting elderly or vulnerable homeowners. In New York City, such schemes have disproportionately affected communities of color, particularly in historically Black neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant, where generational wealth is frequently tied to family-owned brownstones.
Victims of deed theft may face unlawful eviction proceedings even after years of timely mortgage or tax payments, as fraudsters exploit gaps in property record systems. Once a deed is falsely transferred, new claimants can initiate legal actions to seize the property, leaving original owners to navigate costly and lengthy court battles to reclaim their homes. Advocates argue that stronger verification protocols at the city registrar level and increased public awareness are essential to combat the issue.
Charrington’s case has drawn attention due to its intersection with conservatorship proceedings, raising questions about how legal guardianships in other states may be exploited to facilitate property fraud in New York. While no direct link has been established between the Georgia conservatorship and the alleged deed theft attempt, her legal team continues to challenge the validity of the eviction notice in housing court.
Community Response and Calls for Accountability
Following Ossé’s arrest, local housing organizations and elected officials condemned the police response as excessive, particularly given the peaceful nature of the protest. Supporters gathered outside the precinct where he was held, calling for his immediate release and demanding an investigation into the marshals’ conduct. His office confirmed that he was evaluated at a hospital as a precautionary measure but suffered no serious injuries.
The incident has reignited debates over the use of law enforcement in civil housing disputes and the protection of First Amendment rights during demonstrations. Civil rights observers noted that while police have a duty to ensure public safety, the arrest of an elected official for nonviolent protest raises concerns about proportionality and potential chilling effects on civic engagement.
City Council members across the ideological spectrum have called for a review of NYPD protocols when responding to protests involving housing justice issues. Some have urged the Civilian Complaint Review Board to examine whether officers used unnecessary force during the detention, although no formal complaint has been publicly filed as of this reporting.
Next Steps in the Legal and Housing Process
Charrington’s eviction case remains active in housing court, where her legal team is contesting the validity of the proceedings based on claims of fraudulent documentation. A subsequent hearing is scheduled for the coming weeks, during which a judge will review evidence related to the alleged deed transfer and conservatorship paperwork. Ossé has pledged to continue supporting her case through legislative advocacy and community outreach.
On the criminal side, Ossé and the other individuals arrested face pending court dates for the charges of obstruction and disorderly conduct. Neither the District Attorney’s office nor the NYPD has indicated whether plea negotiations are underway, but similar cases in recent years have often resulted in adjournments in contemplation of dismissal, particularly when defendants have no prior criminal record.
For updates on the housing court proceedings, members of the public can access the New York City Civil Court’s online case information system using the index number associated with Charrington’s case. Official statements from the NYPD regarding the arrest are available through the department’s public information portal, while Ossé’s office continues to share updates via its official social media channels.
As the battle over Charrington’s home continues, the incident has become a focal point in broader conversations about housing equity, legal safeguards against property fraud, and the role of elected officials in defending constituents facing displacement. Community advocates plan to hold a follow-up rally next week to maintain pressure on city agencies to strengthen protections for longtime homeowners.
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