On April 13, 2023, Superior Court Judge Joshua Willey signed a consent judgment for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action against the property owner of 6949 NC Hwy 55, New Bern.
This judgment was the final step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the County of Pamlico 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 reduce criminal acts and their detrimental impacts on the community.
According to Pamlico County Sheriff Chris Davis, this consent judgment should provide much needed relief for this community. “This address has been a detriment to the community for years. The owner does not regularly reside at the property and has not been able to control the property. This has caused the community to live in fear and constantly drained emergency services and law enforcement resources. Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office working together with Alcohol Law Enforcement’s Nuisance Abatement Team has been able to positively impact our community and restore peace to the citizens,” said Sheriff Davis.
This judgment called for the property to be sold and forged an agreement detailing the future intended use of the property, which forbids future nuisance related activities. In addition, the judgment ordered the property be vacated in sixty days from the entry of this judgment.
Sheriff Davis expressed his gratitude for all parties involved. “I appreciate the cooperation from the property owner as we worked to solve this problem. I also commend the citizens of this community for partnering with law enforcement to ensure the community returns to a peaceful life,” said Davis.
"The nuisance abatement law provides a solution for problem locations that strain law enforcement resources and reduce the quality of life for others,” said Scottie Shoaf, Special Agent in Charge of the Nuisance Abatement Team. “This was a collaborative effort with the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, citizens in this community, and the property owners to bring a safe and permanent solution for this community.”
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