Rutherford County Advances Nuisance Abatement Case at Forest City Property Following ALE Investigation

Rutherford County has moved forward with a nuisance abatement case targeting a Forest City property following a joint investigation by local law enforcement and state Alcohol Law Enforcement agents into alleged ongoing criminal activity.

The case involves 482 Morningstar Lake Road, where the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg, requested assistance from the Alcohol Law Enforcement Division under North Carolina’s nuisance abatement law, according to a July 1 statement.

County commissioners unanimously approved a resolution during their June 1, 2026, meeting, authorizing civil legal action to address what officials described as a public nuisance impacting community safety and quality of life.

Commissioner Hunter Haynes moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Vice Chairman Alan Toney. The vote was 5–0, with Commissioners Bryan King, Toney, Michael Benfield, Haynes, and Donnie Haulk all in favor and none opposed.

According to the resolution, ALE special agents worked alongside the sheriff’s office to investigate the property and recommend civil enforcement action after documenting alleged long-term criminal activity, including drug offenses, violence, and other disturbances. Officials said the investigation also involved cooperation from property owners.

Under Chapter 19 of the North Carolina General Statutes, nuisance abatement law allows civil action when a property is tied to repeated criminal conduct that negatively affects surrounding neighborhoods, including risks to health, safety, and public welfare.

Following the investigation, Superior Court Judge J. Thomas Davis signed two consent judgments and a final order of abatement on June 17, formally concluding the civil case brought by Rutherford County.

The court order requires the current occupant to vacate the property within 60 days and mandates that the property be listed for sale by Aug. 31, 2026. Any prospective buyer must be approved by the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners.

The resolution authorizes the county chairman, working with the county attorney, county staff, the sheriff’s office, and ALE, to initiate and execute all necessary legal actions to carry out the abatement process.

Officials said the coordinated enforcement effort is intended to end ongoing criminal activity at the property and reduce its impact on surrounding residents and emergency response resources.