After countless years and a long history of disturbances and calls for service by the Graham County Sheriff’s Office, the community has collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office to ensure their children and families are safer. On March 14, 2023, Graham County Superior Court Judge Bill Coward signed a consent judgment for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action against the property owners of 349 Five Point Road, Robbinsville, NC.
This judgment was the final step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the County of Graham 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 address has been a problem for years, causing the Town of Robbinsville to live in fear and constantly draining emergency services and law enforcement resources.” said Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit. “This remedy is a result of an outstanding collaboration between Graham County officials, residents in the community, and members of the ALE Nuisance Abatement Team.”
This property qualified for potential forfeiture to the Graham County School Board based upon Chapter 19. All parties were able to reach a consent judgment. This consent forged an agreement detailing the future intended use of the property, which forbids future nuisance-related activities, restricts patrons from trespassing upon the property and bans the current occupants from operating a nuisance elsewhere. All current occupants will be removed from the property no later than May 15, 2023.
“I appreciate the cooperation from this family as we worked to solve this problem and reach a successful resolution for all parties involved. I also commend the citizens of this community for partnering with law enforcement to ensure the community returns to a peaceful life,” said Hoxit.
"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. “North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement values the partnership with the Graham County Sheriff’s Office and the County Attorney, to bring a permanent resolution to this problem and embrace the positive changes this judgment will facilitate in the community.”
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