Squatters linked to polygamist sex group Carbon Nation evicted from Tucker home

Viewers of an Atlanta News First investigation linked the house’s occupants to sex cult.

Atlanta News First/July 16, 2024

By Harry Samler

Atlanta, Georgia -- A group of alleged squatters identified by viewers of a recent Atlanta News First investigation as members of a polygamist group have been evicted from the DeKalb County house in which they were residing.

Viewers claimed at least two of the squatters are associated with a polygamist group known as Carbon Nation, which DeKalb County prosecutors refer to as a sex cult. Its leader, Eligio Bishop, went on trial in February 2024 for false imprisonment, rape and posting a revenge porn video online. After a jury found Bishop guilty, he was sentenced to life in prison.

After the sentencing, a group of squatters began occupying a Tucker, Georgia, home. The house is a rental property owned and managed by Sylvan Homes. Sources told Atlanta News First Investigates the squatters changed the locks and used a fraudulent lease to turn on water service.

John and Stacey Rusnak live next door. John Rusnak contacted Atlanta News First Investigates because the septic tank behind the squatters’ home was broken and kept overflowing into the couple’s yard. The Rusnaks contacted Sylvan Homes, but the attempted repairs did not work.

When the home’s occupants were approached by Atlanta News First Investigates and asked about the situation, one of them replied, “We do not sell our souls, sir.”

Atlanta News First Investigates confirmed one of the individuals on the porch had been set to testify at Bishop’s trial until a judge had him removed for repeated outbursts.

Atlanta News First Investigates confirmed two of the squatters have social media profiles that praise Bishop and vilify his victim. Three others who were living at the home were not identified.

City of Tucker officials confirmed the home’s owner received several violations for the overflowing septic tank. The property owner filed an eviction in May, less than a month before Georgia’s Squatter’s Reform Act took effect.

The new law gives suspected squatters three days to prove they have the property owner’s permission to be there. A judge can then bypass a trial and order the squatters removed for trespassing.

But Terry Phillips, DeKalb’s deputy county attorney, said the new law didn’t apply in this case.

“In this instance the owner has filed an eviction, so it would not invoke any squatter laws or process. It will follow the eviction process in court,” Phillips said.

Following the Atlanta News First investigation, DeKalb County’s Watershed Management turned off service to the house. One day later, DeKalb County marshals and sheriff’s department officials swarmed the house to process the eviction. Authorities removed five people and moved all of their belongings to the curb.

The Rusnaks said they are grateful and relieved.

To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here.