‘Illegal hotspots’ shut down in Wilmington, Columbus County following investigations

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – Two illegal nightclubs in Southeastern NC are being shut down following nuisance abatement investigations in Wilmington and Columbus County.

The Wilmington Police Department and Columbus County Sheriff’s Office held a news conference Wednesday morning with District Attorneys Ben and Jon David and the NC ALE to discuss the actions taken against the two clubs.

Over the last several months the district attorneys have worked on nuisance abatement investigations for Edge Lounge, an illegal night club located at 1219 South 5th Street in Wilmington and Ballz Night club, an illegal outlet located at 2753 Macedonia Church Road in Evergreen.

According to the district attorney’s office, these investigations stemmed from shootings, homicides, gang activity, illegal alcohol sales, and controlled substance violations taking place on these properties.

Judgments and show cause motions have been filed and heard by Superior Court Judges F. Jones and A. Gore.

“Law enforcement is not in the property management business, it is not our goal to take people’s property from them,” District Attorney Jon David said. “We simply want to ensure people are using it in a lawful purpose  and not creating an environment in such that bad things occur.”

Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams said these consent judgments have provided relief for city and local law enforcement.

“The most recent, Edge Lounge, has been a detriment to the community for years. This has caused the community to live in fear and constantly drained emergency services and law enforcement resources,” said Chief Williams.

Ben David said a nuisance abatement was first filed in 1999 on The Edge nighclubs.

“We had to take corrective action this time around,” David said. “We are returning that neighborhood to the people who live there today.”

These judgments have resulted in properties being demolished, forged agreements detailing the future intended use of these properties, and perpetually enjoined the defendants from operating nuisances elsewhere in the state of North Carolina.

Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers expressed his gratitude. “I appreciate the cooperation from the property owners as we have worked to solve criminal activity at several nuisance properties within Columbus County. I applaud the citizens of this county and surrounding areas for partnering with law enforcement to ensure their communities return to the status quo,” said Rogers.

“The nuisance abatement law provides a solution for problem locations that strain law enforcement resources and reduce the quality of life for others,” said Bryan House, Director of
Alcohol Law Enforcement. “I hope these successful resolutions continue to bring positive changes for residents living in southeastern North Carolina.”