Outrage as homeowner is jailed after calling cops on squatter... and is told to 'think about it from their point of view'

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Posted on 12/21/2024 12:00:57 PM PST by DFG

A Georgia homeowner was arrested and charged with criminal trespass after attempting to move back into her home, which was being occupied by an alleged squatter.

'I spent the night on a mat on a concrete floor in deplorable conditions. While this woman, this squatter slept in my home,' Loletha Hale told WSB-TV Atlanta.

On December 9, Clayton County police and Sheriff's deputies were called to the home on Livingston Drive after Hale tried to regain access.

A deputy, captured on body camera footage, advised Hale to consider the alleged squatter's perspective.

'Just think of it from this perspective, though. Everybody isn't as fortunate as you to have a bed. All the little things, a bed in their house, food in the kitchen,' the deputy said.

The dispute began in August when Hale discovered the alleged squatter, Sakemeyia Johnson, in the home and contacted police.

Authorities cited Johnson under Georgia's new Squatter Reform Act.

However, Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Latrevia Lates-Johnson ruled that Johnson wasn't a squatter, as she was related to a previously evicted tenant's partner.

'How can she not be squatting when I've never had any type of contract relationship with this person?' Hale said.

In bodycam footage from the December 9 incident, Johnson explained to officers, 'I was written a citation saying I was a squatter. But a judge signed an order saying that I wasn't a squatter.'

This led to a prolonged legal battle, with multiple filings, hearings and even Johnson filing for bankruptcy, naming Hale as her sole creditor.

On November 18, a magistrate judge ruled in Hale's favor. Hale believed Johnson had vacated the property and returned to begin cleaning up.

(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...

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1 posted on 12/21/2024 12:00:57 PM PST by DFG

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