After years of disturbances, drug violations and countless calls to the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Colington community and law-enforcement worked together to evict a nuisance homeowner.
On March 30, Superior Court Judge Jerry R. Tillett signed a consent judgment for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action against the property owners of 114 Eagle Drive in Colington, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office said in a Tuesday news release.
This judgment was the final step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the County of Dare 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 property has been a detriment to the community for years, draining law enforcement resources and causing the Colington Community members to fear for their safety,” said Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie in a statement. “This resolution was successful because of an outstanding investigation between Dare County Officials and members of the ALE Nuisance Abatement Team.”
The terms of the consent judgment called for the property to be sold and forged an agreement detailing the future intended use of the property, which includes no nuisance acts to be committed on the Property. The judgment ordered the property be vacated within ten (10) days of the entry of the Order.
Sheriff Doughtie expressed his gratitude for the effort and outcome. “I sincerely appreciate the willingness of the property owner to cooperate with law enforcement and return this Property back to the status quo. I know by working together this successful resolution will provide the peaceful environment this community deserves,” said Doughtie.
The investigation was a joint effort between members of the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Dare County 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. “It is a privilege to work with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office to bring positive changes for residents living in the Colington community.”