Benton-Decatur County, Tenn.—The Benton and Decatur County Sheriff’s Departments have given notice to a makeshift homeless community to clean up the property and vacate in 10 days due to numerous complaints of panhandling, theft and drug activity.
According to the Benton Co. Sheriff’s Office, they have received ‘countless’ complaints about the small tent city located in the woods.
They said people who live nearby have complained about panhandling and thefts, as well as drug activity. They said they also have received a lot of nuisance complaints.
The property owner was contacted, but he was unaware anyone was living on his property and requested they be removed.
“We decided it was better to do this now before the winter hits,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said.
Deputies gave the people living in the tents a 10-day notice to clean up the property and vacate or they will be charged with criminal trespassing.
“No Trespassing signs will be going up soon,” according to the sheriff’s office. “Hoping to make this area safer for the citizens of our counties and travelers passing through.”
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