Court orders Spindale property sold after nuisance investigation

Officers describe drug transactions, overdose deaths and gunfire; judgment directs sale proceeds toward treatment

A consent judgment orders a Grose Street property closed and sold after police documented drug activity, overdoses, gunfire, and repeated community complaints.

Donna L. Jones and James Brandon Jones admitted a public nuisance existed at 162 Grose St., according to the judgment in Rutherford Superior Court case 26CV001513-800, State of North Carolina on behalf of the Town of Spindale v. Donna L. Jones.

Spindale Police Chief Chad Nazlerod requested assistance from the state Alcohol Law Enforcement Division. The agencies announced the outcome in releases from the Spindale Police Department and North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Detective Tyler Greene said in an affidavit that he personally observed drug transactions and executed two drug-related search warrants at the property.

“The property presents a real danger to the surrounding community,” Greene said.

Detective William Lancaster also described openly conducted drug transactions and said methamphetamine and fentanyl accounted for most drugs seized. Both detectives said they knew of at least two overdose deaths at the property.

Sgt. Zach Walker said he responded to the property more than 20 times and participated in approximately six to eight arrests involving drugs or outstanding warrants. He said officers generally sent at least two personnel, depending on the call, because of anticipated safety concerns.

Additional records describe Sgt. Joshua Adams stopping a vehicle after it left the property in June 2025, recovering marijuana and powder that tested positive for cocaine.

Neighbors described installing cameras and limiting children’s outdoor activities.

“My neighbors and I are tired of living in fear because of incidents occurring at the Property,” Roger Lee Triplett stated in an affidavit.

The judgment required the defendants to leave within 24 hours of entry and the property to remain vacant and padlocked. It must be listed at fair market value, with police conducting a background check and approving the buyer.

James Brandon Jones’ share of the proceeds must enter a trust for substance abuse treatment, subject to conditions governing any later distribution.

Beginning 30 days after entry, he cannot reside within 50 miles of the property, except temporarily at a qualifying treatment facility. Overnight visits require advance notification to police and county emergency dispatch. He may petition to remove the restriction after 10 years.

The supplied judgment bears a Sept. 22 entry date and Sept. 23 filing stamp. State officials reported two judgments signed Sept. 28 and described a residency restriction covering the owner and former tenant.

The order was signed by Chief Superior Court Judge J. Thomas Davis, a.k.a. Tommy Davis.