Share
AGeorgia homeownerfound herself handcuffed and placed behind bars for attempting to move back into her own home.
Loletha Halehas been locked in a months-long battle with an allegedsquatternamedSakemeyia Johnson.
She was charged with criminal trespassing and a misdemeanor count of terroristic threats.
The homeowner said she had arrived at the property to clean up the house on December 9.
What she didnt expect to see was Sakemeyia on the property with someone else trying to impersonate her.
I returned on Monday to start painting and she had broken the locks at my property, Loletha said.
She had this guy with her, and I locked the door, she continued.
I locked the screen door, and he forced himself in telling us to get out.
After the homeowner refused to back down, police officers arrived at the scene and began siding with Sakemeyia.
Just think of it from this perspective, though.
Everybody isnt as fortunate as you to have a bed.
Something is inherently wrong with this picture, the arrested woman said.
According to her arrest report, she allegedly removed Sakemeyias belongings forcibly and threatened to use violence.
I was written a citation saying I was a squatter.
After months of court proceedings, Lolethaenjoyed a victoryin court in November.
She succeeded in legally ousting Sakemeyia from the property.
Loletha told the outlet.
This document would have allowed her to legally evict Sakemeyia.
The number of cases involving homeowners dragging squatters to court has seen an uptick inGeorgiain recent years.
In 2017, the number of such cases taken to court in Georgia was only three.
This number rose to 50 in 2021, according to a report by the Pacific Legal Foundation.
The number of such civil cases further went up to 198 in 2023.
This is insanity that people just think they can come in and take over somebodys home.
I mean, its just outrageous, Gov.
Brian Kemp toldFox News.
The governor signed the Georgia Squatter Reform Act this year, making squatting a crime in the state.
The law is aimed at speeding up theeviction processand allowing property owners to seek compensation from squatters for damages.
Check out the results:
