After countless years and a long history of disturbances, drug violations and countless calls to the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, the Township of Lucama has worked together with the Sheriff’s Office to create a safer community. On January 18, 2023, Durham County Superior Court Judge Josephine Kerr-Davis signed a consent judgment for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action against the property owner of 5421 Wiggins Mills Road, Lucama.
This judgment was the final step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the County of Wilson 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.
The terms of the consent judgment called for the property to be turned over to a responsible family member, allowing the property to remain in this family for further generations. This consent forged an agreement detailing the future intended use of the property, which forbids future nuisance-related activities and requires the removal of all residential structures. In addition, the judgment ordered the property remain vacated in accordance with the previous preliminary injunction signed by Superior Court Judge Joshua Wiley on August 1, 2022.
Alcohol Law Enforcement Nuisance Abatement Team partners with local law enforcement and community members to conduct thorough investigations utilizing Chapter 19 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
"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 has been a pleasure working with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and the County Attorney, Stephen Beaman to bring a permanent resolution to this problem and embrace the positive changes this judgment will facilitate in the community.”
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