MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Police gave a sovereign citizen squatting in a $3 million east Memphis estate 24 hours to get out of the house, but the order was ignored. So far the front gate is still padlocked shut, but ABC 24 Senior Investigator Jeni Diprizio uncovered more information about who is believed to have taken over the property.
People who live in the neighborhood are baffled by what's happening next door. According to police, a woman who now goes by the name Abka Re Bey has taken over the home.
ABC 24 uncovered Re Bey's real name is Tabitha Gentry. Last fall she was charged with Aggravated Assault for trying to run over a police officer during a traffic stop in south Memphis. At the time she provided police with a sovereign citizen identification card.
It appears Gentry - or "Re Bey" - moved into the house last week. She claims to be a member of the Moorish National Republic and considers herself a sovereign citizen, which means she doesn't believe laws apply to her.
Records show she filed paperwork claiming possession of the house on February 25th under the Moorish Nation. And it sure is a nice house, almost ten thousand square feet with five bedrooms, a large kitchen, and luxurious living room and den.
Tuesday, ABC 24 saw people wandering around inside the house, but Wednesday, we didn't see any activity.
Police are still trying to determine if this is a civil or criminal matter.
