Couple pleads guilty to massive harassment plot against officials

A Brooklyn Park couple pleaded guilty Thursday to 12 felonies each after filing bogus liens totaling $114 billion against public officials.

The Pioneer Press reports 45-year-old Thomas Wayne Eilertson was originally charged with 30 felonies and 49-year-old Lisa Joan-Connery was charged with 47 felonies in what the Ramsey County Attorney's Office is calling "financial and economic terrorism."

In retaliation for being evicted from their foreclosed home in Minneapolis nearly three years ago, the Eilertsons decided to take action against several officials, including Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman and Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek.

The couple filed false liens under the name "Blessings of Liberty," claiming the 12 victims were indebted to them for billions of dollars.

For example, the Star Tribune points out the Eilertsons filed one claim against attorney Steven Bruns for $5 million because of “a trespass.” Bruns represented the lender during the foreclosure.

As part of the guilty pleas, the Eilertsens agree to remove all liens filed against the officials and agreed not to file bogus liens in the future.

The two will be sentenced on June 7. The harassment plot could cost the Eilertsons a maximum of 120 days in jail and restitution to the victims.