Jordan v. Commonwealth

BUMGARDNER, Judge.

The trial court convicted Charles Jordan and Elaine Jordan of maintaining a public nuisance in violation of Code § 48-3, 1 fined them $5,000 each, and ordered them to abate the nuisance. On appeal, they contend the evidence was insufficient to prove they owned the premises involved. 2 We agree and reverse.

The Commonwealth received complaints that events held at The Marquee, a large banquet hall, created a public nuisance by causing increased noise from traffic, car stereos, and pedestrians yelling in the street. Cars parked illegally during the events, and garbage littered…