Legal Battle: Georgia Homeowner Detained for Trying to Evict Alleged Squatter
A Georgia homeowner, Loletha Hale, was arrested after trying to move back into her property, which had been taken over by an alleged squatter, Sakemeyia Johnson.
Credit: WSB-TV/Clayton County Police Department
The incident has raised questions about the complex and sometimes frustrating issue of squatting and property rights.
Background of the Dispute
Hale claims that she discovered Johnson in her home back in August, with Johnson reportedly receiving a squatting citation at that time. However, a Clayton County judge later ruled that Johnson was not a squatter, citing her status as a family member of the partner of an evicted tenant. Despite the ruling, Hale disagreed, insisting that she had no prior relationship or agreement with Johnson.
In November, a court-ordered eviction was granted to Hale, which was supposed to remove Johnson from the property. However, Johnson allegedly ignored the ruling and continued to occupy the home.
A local judge has ruled that Johnson technically isn't a "squatter" - but Hale disagrees. Credit: WSB-TV/Clayton County Police Department
On December 9, Hale returned to her property to clean and prepare it after the eviction order. She found that the locks had been broken and Johnson had returned to the house with another person. Hale attempted to enter but was confronted by the individual with Johnson. Police were called, and the situation escalated, leading to Hale’s arrest on charges of criminal trespassing and making threats.
Bodycam footage from the police captured Johnson’s defense, where she referenced the judge’s ruling stating that she was not a squatter. Hale, however, was frustrated, saying, “How can she not be squatting when I’ve never had any type of contract relationship with this person?”
The Police’s Perspective
While Hale expressed her frustration, officers at the scene urged her to consider Johnson’s circumstances, with one officer mentioning that not everyone is as fortunate as Hale to have a place to stay with basic comforts like a bed and food. Despite this, Hale refused to leave and was handcuffed and arrested.
According to the arrest report, Hale did not have a “signed writ of possession” to legally evict Johnson.
Squatting is on the rise in Georgia. Credit: Oleksandra Yagello/Getty
The report also noted that Hale allegedly threatened Johnson, saying, “Leave before I get my gun.”
The Aftermath and Charges
Johnson was charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal trespassing and terroristic threats, but Hale was the one taken into custody. Hale expressed her disbelief over the situation, saying, “To see that woman walk into my mom’s house while I was in the police car, something is wrong with this picture. Something is inherently wrong with this picture.”
The Rise of Squatting in Georgia
This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing squatting cases in Georgia. In 2017, only three squatting cases were reported in the state. By 2021, that number had risen to 50, and in 2023, there were 198 civil squatting cases reported across Georgia.
Featured Image Credit: WSB-TV/Clayton County Police Department
