Former School Custodian Secretly Lived Inside Albany Middle School for Six Months

A former school custodian in Albany, New York, reportedly lived secretly inside a middle school for approximately six months, turning an unused fourth-floor room into a makeshift home.

The man was identified as Timothy Walters, 36, a former head custodian at Hackett Middle School.

Walters allegedly stayed in an unused room on the school’s fourth floor, where he created living quarters that reportedly included a bed, futon, mini-fridge and other furniture.

“Nowhere Else to Go”

Walters said he had been experiencing financial hardship and had “nowhere else to go.” He also reportedly had the responsibility of supporting four minor children.

His secret living arrangement was eventually discovered when school officials reviewed security camera footage as part of an unrelated investigation.

The discovery prompted school officials to take action. Walters was suspended in May and ultimately resigned from his position on June 23, 2026.

Trespassing Charge Dropped

Police initially charged Walters with trespassing in connection with his presence inside the school.

However, the charge was later dropped, according to the available information.

The unusual case has drawn attention because Walters was not simply spending occasional nights inside the building; he had reportedly transformed an unused school room into a functional living space and remained there for months without being detected.

Walters’ explanation points to financial hardship and a lack of housing as the reason he stayed inside the school, while the circumstances surrounding how the arrangement remained undiscovered for so long have raised questions about security at the school.

Source: NY post