After a long history of disturbances, drug violations and numerous calls to the Whiteville Police Department, the neighborhood surrounding Central Middle School, should soon see long awaited changes. On Monday, June 21, 2021, Superior Court Judge Douglas B. Sasser signed a consent judgment for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action against David Lamont Jones, the property owner of 205 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Whiteville. The property sits directly across from Central Middle School and has affected school activities for years.
This judgment concludes a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the Columbus County District Attorney’s Office 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.
According to Whiteville Police Chief Douglas Ipock, this lawsuit and subsequent judgment should provide much needed relief for the town. “This address has been a detriment to the community for years. The Whiteville Police Department, working together with Alcohol Law Enforcement’s Nuisance Abatement Team, Whiteville City Schools and the District Attorney’s Office has been able to positively impact our community and restore peace to the citizens,” said Chief Ipock.
This judgment permanently prohibits the property owner, David Lamont Jones, from operating or maintaining a public nuisance at this location, or anywhere within the jurisdiction of the State of North Carolina. Under the terms of the consent judgment, the property may never be used for illegal purposes. In addition, it limits the number of people allowed on the property, only allows registered vehicles to be on the property and trespasses all unwelcome guests. If the property owner does not follow the conditions in the agreement, the property could be subject to forfeiture.
“There must be a safety zone around our schools and a nuisance like this will not be tolerated anywhere in our community. I applaud the homeowner for working with us in the shared interest of cleaning up the property and consenting to reasonable restrictions. Also, I would like to commend Alcohol Law Enforcement’s Nuisance Abatement Team on our enduring partnership that has led to this result,” said Columbus County District Attorney Jon David.
Whiteville School Board Superintendent Marc Whichard, who has been diligently working to find a solution to this problem, is excited to proclaim students, staff, and visitors that positive change is forthcoming. “Safety in and around our schools remain my top priority. I look forward to continuing to explore all avenues for improvements in public safety that benefit our students, staff and community at-large,” said Whichard.
Alcohol Law Enforcement's Nuisance Abatement Team partners with local law enforcement and community members to conduct thorough investigations utilizing Chapter 19 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
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