Burke County Sheriff Shuts Down Crime-Ridden Motel, Makes Three Arrests

HILDEBRAN, NC — Authorities shut down Lowman’s Motor Court on Highway 70 Friday morning after years of complaints.

Officials say 25 deputies went to serve a Temporary Restraining Order on the motel’s owners, Hulden and Linda Toney, around 10:20am. The order was issued after the District Attorney filed a Complaint and Petition Wednesday due to the amount of repeated criminal activities at the motel.

According to reports, law enforcement, fire, and medic officials have been called to the property 754 times over the past 11 years. The calls have included domestic disturbances, serving of warrants, assault with and without firearms, forcible rape, breaking and entering, theft, threats, shootings, and more, officials say.

Deputies went room to room and informed the motel’s roughly 15 occupants that they were to leave the premises. Once everyone left, officials say deputies padlocked all doors throughout the motel.

DSS, Burke County EMS, and Icard Fire and Rescue were on scene to assist with occupant relocations, and the Red Cross was on standby for anyone needing shelter.

Deputies say they also arrested three suspects during the shutdown.

David Roberts, Sr., 45, of Hudson, was charged with Assault on a Female, Misdemeanor Probation Violation, and Possession Drug Paraphernalia.

Sheila Eddins, 36, of Morganton, was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia.

Shirley Abee, 52, of Hudson, was charged with Possession Drug Paraphernalia.

Officials say the motel’s owners will have a court appearance on March 6th.