Final Judgment Ordered in Lenoir County Nuisance Case

On December 13, 2024, Lenoir County Superior Court Judge Imelda J. Pate signed a Consent Judgment resulting from a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action regarding the property located at 445 and 453 Pear Street, Kinston. The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office, working with the property owners and the community, have reached a successful resolution to ensure actions at these properties do not negatively impact the community.

The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office has executed several search warrants and has made numerous arrests at these properties. Based on these repetitive criminal acts, the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) in reference to these properties. 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 investigation began with a collaborative decision between the Lenoir County Sheriff, Jackie Rogers and County Officials.

"For years, this location has served as a hotspot for criminal activity, constantly draining law enforcement resources, negatively impacting the community and fostering criminal behavior," said Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers. "We are thankful the heirs of these properties were willing to work with law enforcement to ensure these properties are cleaned up and the criminal activity is abated. This community has lived in fear for far too long."

All parties agreed to a consent judgment allowing the properties to be cleaned up and sold within 90 days. This consent judgment also placed perpetual restrictions on the property forbidding future nuisance related activities, restricting use for rentals, and banning the current occupants indefinitely. All current occupants and tenants must vacate the property by January 16, 2025. Additionally, all trespassers who go upon the properties will be arrested and criminally charged.

"I would like to thank the citizens of this community and the ALE Nuisance Abatement Team for their work and partnership to help address these properties and the strain they have created on Lenoir County," said Sheriff Rogers.

"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. "Successful investigations are only reached with law enforcement partnerships, and community involvement. This consent judgment should bring about positive changes for this community."