'Sovereign citizen' in Memphis convicted in assault case

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A Memphis woman who calls herself a sovereign citizen has been convicted of trying to run over two police officers.

Shelby County prosecutors say a jury on Wednesday found 34-year-old Tabitha Gentry guilty of aggravated assault and intentionally evading arrest in a vehicle.

Gentry was accused of trying to run over the officers during an Oct. 9, 2012, traffic stop.

Gentry claims to be a member of the Moorish American National Republic. She told the judge that she did not recognize the court's authority and chose to spend most of the trial in an adjoining lockup area.

In a separate case, prosecutors say Gentry faces theft charges for illegally squatting in a vacant $3 million Memphis mansion. The property was for sale after being foreclosed on by a bank.

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