Memphis trial begins for woman charged with squatting in mansion

MEMPHIS — The trial has begun for a woman accused of squatting in a vacant $3 million dollar mansion.

Tabitha Gentry is been charged with aggravated burglary and theft over $60,000. Authorities say she illegally moved into the Memphis-area mansion in March 2013. The property was for sale after being foreclosed on by a bank.

The Commercial Appeal reported that Gentry still claims to be a sovereign citizen and told the judge Tuesday that she does not recognize the authority of the court and will not assist her court-appointed attorney. The trial proceeded anyway.

Prosecutors told jurors in opening statements that Gentry should be held criminally responsible for trying to take possession of the home.

Gentry's attorney, Claiborne Ferguson, said his client was squatting, but couldn't have stolen the residence.

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