Judge denies motion to dismiss lawsuit against Weaverville Airbnb owners accused of dumping waste
ASHEVILLE – In a recent development, Buncombe County Superior Court Judge Nathaniel Poovey denied the motion to dismiss a lawsuit against Sara Burrows and Brad Jordan, owners of Airbnb properties in Weaverville, for allegedly dumping renter human waste in the woods near their rental units. The couple, who ran the “Secret Garden of Eden” trio of Airbnbs, had been accused of disposing of human waste in the forest after renters left the properties.
County’s Lawsuit
The lawsuit filed by Buncombe County on February 20 not only cited the dumping of human waste but also accused Burrows and Jordan of lacking permits for the construction of their homes, failure to adhere to electrical code, and failure to connect the structures to an approved wastewater sewage disposal system. The legal action was taken after the county was made aware of the alleged dumping practices that had been ongoing for several years.
Denial of Motion
Despite Burrows and Jordan’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit by claiming that Buncombe County law is invalid, the motion to dismiss was denied by Judge Poovey in a hearing on April 15. Following the denial, the defendants are required to respond to the county’s complaint within 10 days, by April 25.
Response from Defendants
Following the court’s decision, Burrows and Jordan, representing themselves without legal representation, expressed their intention to file a multi-million-dollar federal lawsuit against several Buncombe County employees. They also threatened to sue judges and court employees if summoned again in connection with the case.
Legal Status
Burrows claimed to have renounced her U.S. citizenship and identified as an ‘American State National.’ She stated that she sent an affidavit of revocation of citizenship to the U.S. Secretary of State. This move was described as an attempt to exempt herself from U.S. laws and codes, making her immune to government interference.
Continued Actions
Since the lawsuit was filed, Burrows and Jordan have made changes to their lifestyle, selling their camper and transitioning to solar power, proclaiming to be entirely off the grid. Despite the legal challenges they face, they remain resolute in their stance and plan to pursue legal action against Airbnb as well.
Expert Opinion
Christine Sarteschi, a professor of Social Work and Criminology, noted that Burrows’ claims align with the tactics and beliefs of the sovereign citizen movement. Sarteschi highlighted the similarities between American State Nationals and sovereign citizens in their rejection of U.S. citizenship and the belief in being exempt from government jurisdiction.
Conclusion
The case against the Weaverville Airbnb owners for purportedly dumping waste continues to unfold, with the denial of their motion to dismiss signaling a legal battle ahead. The defendants’ unconventional approach and legal claims add a unique dimension to the ongoing saga as the judicial process moves forward.
