Drug overdoses, human waste in the yard. Houston County judge rules home a ‘public nuisance.’

A Houston County judge has deemed a local residence to be a public nuisance because the home has been the site of drug deals and other criminal activity, and is plagued with piles of garbage, broken furniture, human waste and other debris.

Edward D. Lukemire, Houston County Superior Court chief judge, found March 1 the home at 103 Todd Road in Perry is a public nuisance. A sign posted in the front yard details what that means.

“This building is unfit for human habitation, or commercial, industrial, or business use and does not comply with the applicable codes or has been ordered secured to prevent its use in connection with drug crimes or constitutes an endangerment to public health or safety as a result of unsanitary or unsafe conditions,” the sign reads. “The use or occupation of this building is prohibited and unlawful.”

The residence, owned by Natalie Sinyard and Allison Pike, has been a persistent source of drug and other criminal activity spanning several years, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s office.

Officials say more than 200 calls for service associated with the address for various crimes and complaints from the public had been made since 2016.

Calls for service included multiple drug overdoses and other drug activity, officials said.

In addition to drug issues, officials said the backyard of the residence resembled a trash dump, consisting of piles of garbage, broken furniture, inoperable vehicles, lawn equipment, clothing, human waste and other debris.

The condition of the property was found to be injurious to the public health and morals of the community and was ultimately determined to be a public nuisance in accordance with Georgia law.

Pike and Sinyard appeared in court in December representing themselves. In court documents, both stated they have not lived at the residence in several months.

In response to the allegations, Sinyard said in court documents she felt she was the victim.

“We have had complaints,” she wrote. “I consider myself a victim. I have never allowed any illegal activity, nor would I ever corrupt the public.”

Houston County District Attorney William Kendall said he will continue his efforts to clean up the area.

“My efforts to clean up Houston County continue. I appreciate the Houston County Sheriff’s Office Narcotic Division for putting together the required information over the years to seek an abatement on this residence, without an established record, such an action would not be possible,” he said. “As a resident of Houston County, I too believe that those who use a dwelling to abuse law enforcement resources, keep a place for drug users and trafficking, and cause a nuisance to neighbors and the public, should not be allowed to continue to run down our neighborhoods.”

“I will continue to assist our law enforcement in these matters and take appropriate, reasonable action in accordance with Georgia law to ensure we have a Houston County for our citizens to enjoy and feel safe in,” Kendall said.

This story was originally published March 8, 2024 at 12:43 PM.