A bizarre hearing in Municipal Court involving the four people accused Tuesday and charged with illegally squatting in a Bywater home.

Advertisement 'Sub-Zero,' 'Batman' defy judge in squatting case All refuse to use public defenders and are representing themselves Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A bizarre hearing in municipal court involving the four people arrested yesterday and charged with illegally squatting in a Bywater home.The four people claim to be members of a sovereign citizens group called "Washituh Nation" and some of the four used unusual aliases in court like "Sub Zero" and "Batman".One day after he and three others were accused of illegally squatting in a Bywater home, Devon Gardner made his way into Orleans Parish Municipal Court.It was a hearing legal analysts describe as odd.Gardner and the others charged --Dana Thornton, Nickolas Adams and Louis Hendee -- got off to a bad start in the courtroom with Judge Desiree Charbonnet."They refused to stand and acknowledge her role and I think Judge Charbonnet showed patience," legal analyst John Fuller said.Hendee also refused to give his real name, only giving the alias "Sub Zero" - it's how he's listed on court records."I've heard a lot of different aliases in my time, but maybe never one of a video game character," Fuller said.Bond was set at $1,500 for Thornton, $2,500 for Gardner and $5,000 apiece for Nickolas "Batman" Adams and Hendee.Prosecutors say Adams and Hendee are homeless and may flee.The judge also said if they can make bond, all four will have to sign peace orders agreeing to stay away from the home on Rampart Street.All said they would not.Legal analysts say don't be surprised if the charges are upgraded from misdemeanors to felonies."It's serious in that it's a criminal charge but the most they face is six months in jail and knowing out DA, I haven't talked with him -- but knowing our DA, he may soon look at this as a burglary or theft which means they could be looking at years in jail," legal analyst Robert Jenkins said.The NOPD arrested the four after the home owner, who lives in California and is selling the home, was notified that squatters were living there.In court, Gardner told the judge his name was given to him at birth by a "corporation" and he does not officially use it.All the defendants told the judge they will not use public defenders and will represent themselves.