Feds Seize Henderson County Residence in Oxycodone Bust

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In a major blow to the local narcotics trade, the federal court in the Western District of North Carolina has ordered the final forfeiture of a Henderson County residence used in the illegal distribution of oxycodone and other narcotics.

The residence, located at 318 Jody Street in East Flat Rock, N.C., was the epicenter of a narcotics operation run by the Hunt family, consisting of Harvey Franklin Hunt, Vivian Hunt, and Dorothy Hunt. According to court documents, the property facilitated and was proceeds of narcotics offenses dating back to 2012.

The civil complaint alleged that the property was used for illegal sales of oxycodone, and also the recovery of large amounts of cash, digital scales, marijuana, alprazolam, and methamphetamine from the residence. The complaint also alleged multiple state controlled substances convictions against Harvey Hunt, Vivian Hunt, and Dorothy Hunt.

The case against the residence arose out of a civil complaint for forfeiture filed by the United States in February 2015 (Docket No. 1:15-cv-23). The United States’ forfeiture lawsuit was brought pursuant to 21 U.S.C. § 881, which allows for forfeiture of property used to commit or facilitate felony drug offenses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office commended the coordination and collaborative work of the DEA, the Henderson County Sherriff’s Office, and the Henderson County Drug Task Force in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

In making today’s announcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Bain-Creed handled the civil proceedings.

The final order entered this month by the federal court enables the United States to evict the Hunts and sell the property. The exact date of the eviction and sale of the property have not been disclosed at this time.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of narcotics on our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for narcotics trafficking to justice.

Defendant: Harvey Franklin Hunt, Vivian Hunt, and Dorothy Hunt

Criminal Charges: Felony narcotics offenses, including the distribution of oxycodone and other controlled substances

City and State: East Flat Rock, N.C.

Exact Date: February 2015

Sentence or Outcome: Final forfeiture of the residence, pending eviction and sale of the property

Dollar Amounts: Not disclosed

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