Timothy Walters, a custodian at William S. Hackett Middle School in Albany, New York, secretly resided in the building for approximately six months, utilizing a repurposed room on the fourth floor as a living space. Walters, 36, made the decision to move into the school after facing financial difficulties and needing a place to stay when living with his sister became untenable.
Walters transformed an unused room above the auditorium into a functional living area, furnishing it with multiple beds, chairs, and a mini-fridge. He stated that his financial situation, strained by child support payments for his four teenage children, made it impossible to afford his own apartment. While earning around $80,000 in 2025 with overtime on his $64,000 salary, he found that child support and other expenses significantly impacted his ability to secure independent housing.
He admitted to knowing his actions were wrong but felt compelled to make difficult choices due to his circumstances. Walters occasionally hosted his children in the makeshift apartment during his custody weekends.
The clandestine arrangement was discovered in late April when school district officials were reviewing security footage as part of an investigation into potential overtime fraud among custodians. Although Walters was not accused of padding overtime claims, the surveillance footage revealed his constant presence in the building, leading to the uncovering of his living situation.
Following the discovery, the school district suspended Walters without pay in May. He officially resigned from his position on June 23, according to district spokesman Ron Lesko. The matter was initially investigated by local police, who charged Walters with trespassing. These charges were later dropped. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated by his sister to assist him in finding new housing.
Walters is currently residing in a trailer park with an uncle and is on a waiting list for his own accommodation. He has also indicated that he has received two job offers.