No charges filed after investigation into transfer of Kiwanis Park playground equipment

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) — The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation announced Friday the agency is closing its investigation into the unauthorized transfer of county-owned playground equipment at Hampstead Kiwanis Park.

The SBI said after sharing its findings into the investigation with the Pender County District Attorney, there will be no charges filed in the case.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the SBI in January regarding the investigation into obtaining property by false pretenses.

The SBI said it was reported that playground equipment from the park was taken without permission.

Newly released emails obtained by WWAY reveal the confusion between Pender County officials regarding the request for playground equipment from a community member.

In January, Elizabeth Butler, requested the playground equipment for the Eagles Watch neighborhood after the county deemed the equipment unsafe. Parks and Recreation Director Zach White rejected the request with concern for liability and increased cost for demolition of the equipment.

According to emails, Butler thanked county commissioner Randy Burton for his support in getting her request approved.

The SBI presented its investigation to the DA’s office on Thursday.

In a statement to WWAY, District Attorney Jason Smith said:

“Yesterday [Thursday], the State Bureau of Investigation presented their investigation of the removal of broken playground equipment that was scheduled for demolition from Kiwanis Park. Senior prosecutors reviewed this evidence and the communications between the parties. The investigation revealed that not only did the property have no monetary value, but no one personally profited from the removal of the broken equipment. Based on the totality of the circumstances, and the likelihood of conviction before a Pender County jury, charges will not be filed in this matter.”