CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A woman accused of squatting in a near-million dollar home in the Piper Glen neighborhood was arrested and charged Tuesday.
Channel 9 obtained photos from witnesses showing Ninti El-Bey cuffed outside the home.
PAST COVERAGE: Squatter says religion protects her from prosecution
El-Bey was squatting inside the home off Kelly Woods Lane for a couple months, according to police reports and interviews with the homeowners association attorney.
Police reports showed she was arrested on Nov. 7 for breaking and entering and trespassing at the home. She was back inside a day later, according to neighbors.
It's not clear how she first got into the home. The home is owned by Chase Bank and listed as a foreclosure, according to property records.
Earlier this month she sought out a temporary restraining order on a realtor, according to court documents. Neighbors said the realtor was trying to show the home but showed up and encountered people living in the home.
Police experts who study sovereign citizens told Channel 9 that the tactics match up with ones used by members of a far out branch of the Moorish Science Temple of America. Officials said they are known to squat in homes and file bogus liens and lawsuits against authorities who try to stop them.
The religion was founded in 1913 by a Durham native.
Church leaders told Channel 9 that the people who disobey the law are not truly following the religion's teachings.
El-Bey was charged with breaking-and-entering and trespassing. A future court date was not immediately set.
It's unclear whether she will be able to return to the home.
Channel 9 crews saw workers bringing wooden sheets and boards into the home late Tuesday night. People at the home said they were working to secure the property.
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