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Residents urge Smyth County to act after years of alleged criminal activity and unpaid taxes at Sunset Drive property
Summary
Residents of Sunset Drive told the board they endure repeated criminal activity and nuisance behavior at a neighbor’s property they say is tax-delinquent; speakers asked county staff, treasurer and law enforcement to follow up.
Several residents of the Sunset Drive neighborhood addressed the Smyth County Board of Supervisors during Citizens Time to report repeated criminal and nuisance activity at a single property and to urge county enforcement.
Derek Blevins told the board his neighbor, whom he identified as Keith Sturgill, was "manufacturing meth and distributing and selling methamphetamine, fentanyl, various other drugs," and described repeated public disturbances and safety concerns for children in the neighborhood. Blevins said the neighbor has not paid county real-estate taxes for about five to six years.
"He is 5 and a half to 6 years behind on paying his county tax," Blevins said. Another resident, Ashley Tolliver, provided a numeric figure she said came from a FOIA request showing the property owner was behind $3,437.27 in real-estate taxes.
Neighbors said they have contacted law enforcement and the treasurer and asked the board to push for prompt follow-up. County officials, including the chairman, acknowledged the concerns and said staff would look into what enforcement options exist; a supervisor who was familiar with the case said collection and tax-sale processes can take several months.
Board members asked staff to update the residents on follow-up steps. No formal board enforcement action was recorded on the spot; the record shows residents requested the county administrator and treasurer to pursue available remedies.
