Alleged squatters accused of stealing utilities, running chop shop in Frayser
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two men are facing charges after allegedly living at a Frayser house illegally, stealing thousands of dollars in utilities from MLGW and running a chop shop at the house.
The property owner of a home in the 2600 block of Windsor Parkway says two men, Jordan Hanson and Johnathan Montgomery, had been squatting at his property without his permission.
Reports say Auto Theft Task Force detectives were checking out a possible chop shop in the area. A black Nissan with a fraudulent Tennessee drive-out tag blocking an alleyway behind the house caught their attention.
Detectives learned the vehicle belonged to Montgomery, who said he has lived in the mother-in-law wing of the property since January. He claimed he paid the property owner $400 to live there.
3-year-old boy run over, killed; driver gets ticket
According to court documents, an investigator with MLGW says the address has not had active or legal MLGW utility services since September 16, 2022.
Hanson was found living in the main house that police say had clear indicators it was being illegally powered through MLGW. Investigators say the cost of the stolen utilities is approximately $2,200.
Police reports say the property owner was adamant no one had permission to be on his property, and he never received any money.
He even claims both men stripped and stole parts from his Jeep, which was parked in the driveway.
The property owner says he couldn’t intervene.
📲 Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather.
📧 Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox.
📡 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.
“He’s an older gentleman in a wheelchair. Real nice. Before he got in a wheelchair he used to walk a lot, but he’s sick now. So, he doesn’t get out as much,” said a neighbor.
Hanson allegedly admitted he climbed the MLGW utility line and illegally hooked up the line to steal utilities and power the house.
Both men face several counts of theft, vandalism, interfering with a utility line, and violation of the chop shop law.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
