Carolinian Inn enters agreement with District Attorney’s office

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — One week after New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David filed a temporary injunction against the Carolinian Inn, the two have entered into a Consent Judgment.

The Carolinian was one of several hotels along the Market Street corridor targeted by the district attorney for the number of crimes that have taken place there. Several hotels have worked to clean up their act.

After David filed the temporary injunction, an attorney for the Carolinian Inn filed suit in Wake County challenging the validity of the district attorney’s lawsuit.

According to the Consent Judgment, the motel must require guests to provide a photo I.D., present a valid credit card, complete a registration card, keep a hotel guest registry available for law enforcement, and issue parking permits.

Also, the motel must either hire a private security guard to patrol between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily and install at least 10 video surveillance cameras or hire a security guard to patrol between 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. daily and install a minimum of 20 security cameras.

In a statement, District Attorney Ben David wrote, “With our agreement today, I appreciate the owners of the Carolinian taking additional steps to make their property even safer…. I want law abiding business owners to be successful. I wish the Carolinian and the Odedras a successful summer.”

Attorney for the Carolinian Inn, Ed West, wrote “The Odedras are hardworking, law abiding citizens. They appreciate the recognition of their efforts to improve the property by the District Attorney and look forward to continuing to work with law enforcement. The Odedras care deeply about the welfare of their community.”

Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous says he is looking forward to seeing additional improvements.