The Terrorist in My Garage

"Karen Matthews Davis has put a face on the dangers of the anti-government movement. Her forthrightness and courage in standing up to those who seek to undermine our democracy makes her a hero. Her shocking story should serve as a wake-up call for those who don't take the Sovereign Citizen movement seriously."-- Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, Anti-Defamation League

The Juris Christian Assembly was on a mission. With or without Stanislaus County clerk-recorder Karen Mathews standing in their way, they were certain their will would be done. While the name led one to believe its main cause was religion, the Modesto, California, based group's true mission was protesting what they believed was the tyranny of U.S. government taxes. Part of a wave of domestic terrorists that roared into the spotlight in the early nineties with the Waco siege and the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City, the JCA sought to fight the local government with intimidation and nuisance paperwork.

As it happened, their target was the county clerk's office. The elected official in charge was county clerk-recorder Mathews. Over time, the mild-mannered 45-year-old mother of two and career public servant became the focus of the group's ire- a living, and very vulnerable, symbol of what they saw as the government's egregious policies. When Mathews bravely-and legally-refused to accede to their outrageous demands, she was attacked in her garage, brutally beaten and sexually assaulted.

The "Terrorist in My Garage" is is her story.

"This is a story of facing real terror, courage and strength of the human spirit. Karen is an inspiration to all who meet her. She is a true hero"--Brenda Davis, retired Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder

"Karen Matthews Davis is a great example of how a women can maintain professionalism during a frightening and dangerous circumstance. She is truly a role model to all of us. I admire Karen's strength and perseverance."--Cadee Condit Gray