Walker County Evicts Squatters Amid Safety And Behavior Worries
A campsite in the Empire community, an unincorporated area in Walker County just north-northeast of Sumiton, has been cleared of 15 squatters from multiple states from New York to California. The eviction was done at the request of the property owner who lives in Arkansas. Walker County Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Agents and Blount County deputies.
In a Facebook video, Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith stated the operation was conducted with a valid search warrant with the property owner's approval. He further explained the operation and said it had been in the works for months. “We have arrested some of the individuals connected to this campsite,” said Smith. “We have released the others, they are getting their belongings, and they are leaving the property.” Smith said the inhabitants were told if they returned to the property they would be arrested for trespassing.
A small amount of narcotics and a gun were found on the property when deputies searched the encampment. Three arrests were reportedly made of individuals who refused to produce any identification to deputies. It is not clear as to why Homeland Security was involved in the clearing operation, but sources say agents were asking the squatters if they were United States citizens.
One of the camp inhabitants who identified himself as Lando, told deputies they were planning to depart the campsite by the end of the month. He said they were operating “More than the Prophet Ministries.”
"The leader says he is operating a ministry and trying to provide places for people to live. I don't know his true intentions," the sheriff added.
No crimes had been reportedly committed by the squatters but social media posts by area residents complained group members were walking through their yards, urinating on the side of the road and blocking traffic.
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