Elizabeth City Nuisance Case Ends With Final Court Order

A nuisance case involving an Elizabeth City motel has ended with a final court order, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

The case involved Whistling Pines Motel, located at 1151 U.S. 17 South in Elizabeth City.

According to NC DPS, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office and Elizabeth City Police Department requested assistance from the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division after ongoing criminal violations, acts of violence and community complaints at the property.

DPS said the investigation found a history of illegal drug sales, drug-related overdoses, assaults and prostitution occurring on the property.

Superior Court Judge Andrew Womble signed a Consent Judgment and Final Order of Abatement on June 17, 2026, between the property owners and officials with Pasquotank County and Elizabeth City.

The judgment concluded a civil nuisance abatement case brought by Pasquotank County and District Attorney Jeff Cruden on behalf of the state.

Under the order, the business must remain closed and vacant until a future business plan is approved by Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County officials. If the plan is not approved, or if the approved plan does not allow the current structure to remain, the structure must be demolished within 36 months.

The order also requires the structure’s windows and doors to be boarded to prevent trespassing during that period.

For Camden County readers, the case matters because Elizabeth City is part of the region’s daily public safety and economic orbit. Many Camden residents travel to Elizabeth City for work, shopping, medical care, court business and other services.

Camden Tribune will continue following regional public safety stories when they affect northeastern North Carolina communities connected to Camden County.