GOLDSBORO – Following a joint investigation among the Goldsboro Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Alcohol Law Enforcement agents, a judge placed restrictions on the Serena Inn to stop operating as a nuisance to the community.

The Serena Inn has a long history of criminal violations and problems, including drug violations, prostitution, fights, robberies, assaults and many complaints of domestic disturbances. 

Superior Court Judge W. Bland entered a consent judgment Sept. 29 against the Serena Inn, 708 Corporate Drive, Goldsboro. Under the terms of the judgment, the owners of the Serena Inn are prohibited from operating a nuisance at this location or anywhere in North Carolina.

The judgment also prohibits Goldsboro residents from renting rooms at the property without the permission of the chief of police, prohibits long-term tenants and restricts other types of establishments and certain Alcoholic Beverage Control permits for the location.

The owners of the inn, Kachella Investment, LLC, must provide an adequate security surveillance system and additional lighting throughout the property to protect guests. Finally, no person can engage in nuisance-related criminal activities on the property, regardless of ownership. 

This judgment is the latest step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the City of Goldsboro on behalf of the State of North Carolina.

 “When locations become problematic and dangerous in a manner that is detrimental to the community as a whole, it is paramount that the community works to solve the problem,” said Ron Lawrence, legal counsel representing the city of Goldsboro. “These cases are the epitome of the community working together with law enforcement to make a difference. I also appreciate the cooperation and reasonableness of the owners of the Serena Inn in drawing this matter to a successful conclusion.”

"The judgment is in the best interest of the general public," said Police Chief Mike West of the Goldsboro Police Department. "The judgment shows how a community can work together to solve problems. I would like to thank members of my Department, our attorneys, the N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Branch, and the citizens of this community for their help."

"The nuisance abatement law provides a tool that local communities can use to mandate permanent and positive changes that improve quality of life in our communities across the state," said Terrance Merriweather, branch head of Alcohol Law Enforcement.  "With this action, a safer environment is created, and a business has a chance to prosper by working together with local authorities. We are pleased to offer the services of our Nuisance Abatement Team to collaborate with our law enforcement colleagues to find remedies to such problems.”

Alcohol Law Enforcement agents assigned to a specially trained Nuisance Abatement Team receive training in the use of the state’s public nuisance law and civil procedure to present a court-ready civil case against the property owner. Alcohol Law Enforcement is a branch of the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation with statewide jurisdiction to investigate any criminal offense.  ALE’s primary mission is the enforcement of the state’s alcohol and lottery laws.            

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Editor’s Note: For more information, contact Goldsboro Police Chief Mike West at (919) 705-6572