After a recent homicide and a long history of disturbances, drug violations and countless calls to the Statesville Police Department, this neighborhood has worked together with the police department to ensure their children and families are safer.
On April 13, 2021, Superior Court Judge Richard L. Doughton signed a consent judgment for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action against Theodore Thomas Steele, the property owner of 1134 5th Street, Statesville.
This judgment was the final step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the City of Statesville on behalf of the State of North Carolina. Chapter 19 of the North Carolina General Statutes defines “nuisance” activities and provides for a civil remedy to abate such criminal acts and their detrimental impacts on the community.
“This address has been a problem for years, constantly draining law enforcement resources and reducing the quality of life for members in this community,” said Statesville Police Chief David Addison. “This remedy is a result of an outstanding investigation between Statesville officials and members of the ALE Nuisance Abatement Team.”
The terms of the consent judgment relinquished the property to the City of Statesville and forged an agreement detailing the future intended use of the property, which includes a memorial park honoring family members. The judgment ordered the property be vacated by May, 1, 2021.
Statesville Police Chief D. Addison expressed gratitude for the effort and outcome. “I appreciate the cooperation from the property owner as we worked to solve this problem and I am confident this successful resolution will provide the peaceful environment this community deserves,” said Addison.
The investigation was a joint effort between members of the Statesville Police Department, the City of Statesville’s Legal Counsel and members of NC Alcohol Law Enforcement’s Nuisance Abatement Team.
"The nuisance abatement law provides a solution to problem locations that strain law enforcement resources and reduce the quality of life for others,” said Scottie Shoaf, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Nuisance Abatement Team. “We are glad to work with the Statesville Police Department to bring a permanent resolution to this problem, and embrace the positive changes this judgment will facilitate in the community.”
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