KINSTON, N.C. — A significant legal move has been completed in Lenoir County to enhance safety in an eastern neighborhood plagued by criminal activities. Superior Court Judge Imelda Pate approved a consent judgment concerning two properties located at 445 and 453 Pear Street in Kinston, according to authorities.
This legal action stems from a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement suit, initiated due to the frequent criminal activities at these addresses, which have included multiple felony arrests and have been a long-standing drain on community and law enforcement resources.
Chapter 19 of the North Carolina General Statutes targets nuisance activities by providing civil remedies to curb criminal actions and their detrimental impacts. It was under this statute that the properties were deemed eligible for action after thorough investigations by local law enforcement.
Sheriff Jackie Rogers of Lenoir County highlighted the extensive issues caused by these properties, stating that they had become hotspots of criminal behavior, significantly affecting the local community’s sense of safety.
In collaboration with the heirs of the properties, law enforcement has agreed upon a plan to rectify the situation. This plan includes the cleanup and sale of the properties within 90 days, during which the premises must be vacated by all occupants and tenants by January 16. Future uses of the site are strictly controlled under the agreement, with prohibitions on using the properties for rental purposes and imposing a permanent ban on the current occupants.
The consent judgment also ensures stringent measures against any trespassers, who will be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution. This is part of a broader effort to restore peace in the Jackson Heights community, adversely impacted by these locations.
Special Agent Scottie Shoaf, who leads the Nuisance Abatement Team, commented on the effectiveness of nuisance abatement laws, noting that they serve as crucial tools in addressing locations that overly tax law enforcement and reduce the quality of life for residents. He emphasized that successful resolution of such issues requires solid cooperation between law enforcement agencies and community members.
The initiative has received substantial support from local authorities, with Lenoir County commissioners allocating $20,000 in civil funds to facilitate the removal of the nuisance. Commissioner J. Mac Daughety expressed gratitude towards the collaborative efforts that made this action possible, reflecting a shared community objective to restore order and tranquility to the area.
This case marks a proactive step by Lenoir County officials, law enforcement, and the community to tackle crime and improve the living conditions in Kinston, paving the way for a safer and more harmonious environment.
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