Racket Engages In "Paper Terrorism" Says Local Prosecutor About "Sovereign Citizen" Group Attempting To Steal Empty Houses Across North Georgia

In North Georgia, WSB-TV Channel 2 reports:

• DeKalb County prosecutors say they’ve cracked open an elaborate attempt to steal empty houses across North Georgia. Channel 2 Action News teamed up with police and the FBI to share information uncovered during a monthlong investigation. So far, four people are in jail and police have arrest warrants for four others.

• The suspects call themselves sovereign citizens. They are anti-government extremist and refuse to answer to state or local authority. The members often refuse to pay taxes or register their vehicles. Some told Channel 2 Investigative reporter, Jodie Fleischer, their homes are considered sovereign land. "Frankly, it's rather absurd the philosophies and techniques they're espousing, but people will buy into that and try it," said FBI Agent Steve Emmett.

• Fleischer confronted Gregory and Linda Ross, who were living at a 5-bedroom home on South Goddard Road in DeKalb County. A deed posted in the window of the house claimed Jermaine Gibson owned the property. Records show the $1 million home is actually owned by a bank. Authorities say Gibson filed fraudulent paperwork to take the house around the same time the bank was forcing out the previous owners who were in foreclosure.

• According to the deed, Gibson signed over the property to himself for free. Gibson has also filed paperwork declaring himself a sovereign citizen and immune to the laws of Georgia. [...] Prosecutors say the scheme can force real owners of the homes to prove it in court. Buyers are sometimes delayed from closing on houses. "They're able to tie up the legal system by filing bogus paperwork and engaging in paper terrorism against anybody who dare comes after them," said DeKalb County Assistant District Attorney John Melvin.

For more, see Sovereign Citizens Accused of Stealing Georgia Houses.

Go here for more from the FBI on The Sovereign Citizen Movement.