For squatting in Memphis mansion, woman gets 20 years

MEMPHIS — A self-described sovereign citizen who claimed she isn't bound by U.S. laws has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for illegally taking control of a $3 million foreclosed mansion in Memphis.

Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich's office said 35-year-old Tabitha Gentry was sentenced Wednesday. Criminal Court Judge James Lammey Jr. sentenced her to concurrent terms of 20 years each for theft of property over $250,000 and burglary. She was convicted in April.

Weirich's office said in a news release the sentences will be served consecutively to a 14-year sentence Gentry is serving for an unrelated conviction last year of aggravated assault on two police officers in 2012.

Gentry moved into the vacant mansion in March 2013, filing documents with the register's office declaring herself the owner of the property.

Upcoming Events