Date: April 2, 2001
Contact:
Sara Kempin
Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.233)
| For Release: Immediate
Date: April 2, 2001 |
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Contact:
Sara Kempin
Phone: (919) 733-5027 (ext.233)
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JUDGE ENTERED CONSENT JUDGEMENT AGAINST PROPERTY AT 321 THOMPSON STREET |
This decision is the latest step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by Alamance County District Attorney, Robert F. Johnson, on behalf of the State of North Carolina.
"Today's judgement shows how a community can work together to solve problems," said Johnson. "I would like to thank the Burlington Police Department, the N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Division, and the citizens of this neighborhood for their help. I also appreciate the cooperation and reasonableness of Mr. Shatterly in drawing this matter to an early, successful conclusion."
The consent judgement prohibits Raymond Shatterly from ever operating a nuisance anywhere in North Carolina. In addition, the property at 321 Thompson Street can never be operated as a nuisance, regardless of who owns it.
Under the conditions of the judgement, Shatterly must move out within 45 days and the house must be placed up for sale. Shatterly must also enter into an agreement with the Burlington Police Department that enables them to arrest anyone who trespasses on the property. Many other conditions will be in effect until the sale of the property.
If Shatterly violates the terms of the consent judgement he will be in contempt of court and may be subject to a fine or a jail sentence.
Information for the lawsuit was coordinated by a member of the Alcohol Law Enforcement (A.L.E.) Nuisance Abatement Team at the request of Burlington Police Chief M. R. Gauldin. Officers with the police department researched police records concerning this establishment and provided the information to the Nuisance Abatement Team.
"Our goal is to keep the citizens of Burlington safe," said Chief Gauldin. "This action helps us achieve that goal and the court's order provides a permanent solution in this case."
The property has a reputation as a location for drug deals, prostitution, assaults and other breaches of the peace.
"The nuisance law helps communities solve violent problems permanently," said John D. Smith, III, A.L.E. director. "We are pleased that we can assist Burlington, and help them work toward a permanent solution."
Since its inception in 1994, A.L.E.'s Nuisance Abatement Team has assisted local law enforcement agencies in stopping problems at more than 100 establishments across the state. The Team is currently investigating about 30-40 locations across North Carolina.
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