10 July 2023 , 19:31
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A neighbour dispute has led to allegations one neighbour built a dam and caused around $100,000 in damages, killed some chickens and turned his fellow resident's life life into a nightmare.
Joe Cook claims his neighbour put his property underwater deliberately and has now hired a lawyer to look into the case.
"I guess some of my machines are ruined," he said to ABC affiliate WLOS. "I don't even want to go back there. I get depressed every time I come in here."
Mr Cook believes a concrete wall was constructed along the property line - his neighbour owns the property up the hill and behind his home - because he did not agree with plans for redevelopment.
Mr Cook has sought legal advice (WLOS)The wall changed the flow of the water run-off causing it to pool at Mr Cook's property.
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The homeowner from North Carolina has been in hill health since his barn was flooded.
He said he approaches his neighbour to talk about the problem, but they refuse to speak to him.
His lawyer Rusty McLean said: "I was absolutely flabbergasted that someone would do such a thing, and I think a jury would feel the same way."
Mr Cook said some of his equipment was destroyed (WLOS)He added: "Under North Carolina law, you cannot interfere to such an extent with the natural flow of water that causes damage to another person."
Mr Cook claims he now needs rainboots to walk through his barn and he kept vital equipment there, which will be ruined, as well as family memories.
He says the several feet of water around his property killed his chickens and he has documented evidence of the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of damage.
The concrete wall was constructed along the property line (WLOS)The Haywood County Sheriff's Office has confirmed it is investigating the claims made by Mr Cook.
A spokesperson said: "The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office does have an open and active investigation regarding the case."
"The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with other agencies; including Haywood County Environmental Services, NC Department of Natural Resources, an engineering firm, and attorneys to resolve this issue.
(WLOS)"Criminal charges could still be forthcoming, but we do not have any further information on that yet."
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Speaking to the news outlet, Mr Cook said: "He dammed my whole property up and he ruined my property. I just want to be left alone - leave me alone.
"My garage is ruined; somebody told me the foundation is undermined so I can't afford to build a new garage.
Joe has been in ill health since (WLOS)"We haven't been able to sleep for a couple of weeks."
He added: "I probably lost 10 pounds, I can't eat, I can't sleep, I'm obsessed with this thing."
(WLOS)A civil case is expected to be filed.
"The last week when we were in church the sermon was 'Love thy neighbour,' but that's kind of hard to do," said Mr Cook.