“Animal House” Property Near Hartly Declared a Criminal Nuisance & Ordered Shut Down
A property near Hartly nicknamed “The Animal House” has been shut down by the Department of Justice. The property has a reputation for criminal activity – but this action follows an investigation after a stream of complaints about illegal bonfires that sent toxic fumes into the air, harboring of fugitives, drive by shootings and illegal drug activity. The AG’s office says police responded to about 160 complaints over the past eight years – including a dangerous undercover drug operation. The property on Slaughter Station Road – owned by 59 year old Shawn Haley was declared a criminal nuisance in Kent County Superior Court and ordered shut down on May 9th – and all tenants required to vacate by May 12th. The AG’s office says the property will remain closed until a permanent abatement hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
Additional information from the AG’s Office:
The property was a hotbed for illegal drug activity including the sale, production, and use of heroin and methamphetamine, among others, and led to frequent overdoses, including a fatality.
Under the order, all leases associated with the property were rendered void, and Haley, who also resided at the property, and its other tenants were required to vacate by May 12.
“All Delaware landlords have a legal and moral obligation to follow the law and maintain their properties accordingly- full stop,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “In both the nature and sheer amount of crimes occurring, this property posed an unprecedented risk to the community and the government agencies tasked with protecting it; it simply could not be allowed to continue. I am grateful to our prosecutors and the Delaware State Police for their swift and decisive action, the community is much safer for it.”