The execution of a search warrant on Thursday in Sharp County resulted in a group of individuals claiming to be a part of a sovereign citizens’ group being taken into custody. One male subject identified himself as Saleem Yosiyah YisraEl, but the remainder of the group has refused to identify themselves.
Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell says his office was assisted by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officers, the Third Judicial District Drug Task Force and the Jonesboro Police Department in executing the warrant on property near Evening Shade on Arkansas Highway 56. An investigation had reportedly been opened in August in reference to two unidentified individuals moving an RV and an enclosed trailer onto property owned by someone else.
Sheriff Russell says deputies had made multiple attempts to serve eviction notices and warnings to leave the property on the individuals, revealing themselves as members of the Moorish National Republic. The individuals allegedly provided false legal documentation claiming the ground as sovereign property and stated they couldn’t be forced to leave. Since moving onto the property, they have reportedly constructed a permanent structure, dug a sewer line, installed solar panels and stored a large amount of water.
Since the start of the investigation, detectives have discovered the Moorish National Republic has been alleged to “defend their ground” through violence and has been linked to other violent offenses against law enforcement. During the execution of the search warrant on Thursday, the individuals were taken into custody without incident. They were discovered to be living “off-grid,” and several documents claiming the sovereign citizens’ group were located. Multiple vehicles were reportedly on the property with fictitious license plates linked to the group.
In addition, several discoveries were made showing evidence of crimes allegedly involving transactions across the United States. The transactions reportedly appeared to be scams through the U.S. Postal Service and the internet. Also, thousands of dollars worth of Iraqi currency were located in envelopes. The items on the property were seized by the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI has been contacted concerning the allegedly fraudulent documents and other cybercrimes.
Sheriff Russell says detectives believe they have discovered the identities of the individuals refusing to give their names, but that information is currently being withheld as the investigation continues.
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