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Latin Times
Latin Times
Carla St. Louis

Georgia Homeowner Jailed for Trying to Move Back Into Home Taken Over by Squatter: 'Something Is Wrong With This Picture'

Hale had recently won a court ruling against the squatter. (Credit: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

A Georgia homeowner, Loletha Hale, was arrested for criminal trespass on her own property.

Hale tried to move back into her house, which was occupied by an alleged squatter, reported Fox News via WSB-TV. Hale had recently won a court ruling against the squatter, Sakemeyia Johnson, but lacked the necessary legal document, a writ of possession, to evict her.

The incident unfolded on December 9, as Hale returned to her home to clean it up, believing Johnson, the tenant, had moved out.

Police accused Hale, the homeowner, of conducting an illegal eviction by removing Johnson's belongings.

"I spent the night on a concrete floor in jail while the squatter stayed in my home," Hale said.

Johnson, who has not been charged, claimed Hale forcibly entered the home with help.

Georgia has seen a surge in squatter-related cases, with 198 civil disputes reported in 2023, according to the Pacific Legal Foundation.

Authorities continue to investigate the case.

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