Plagued by Crime, Judge Files Permanent Injunction for Myrtle Beach’s Yellow House

By HERE News Network

Myrtle Beach’s infamous ‘Yellow House’ is facing a new era of constraint after a judge ordered a permanent injunction against its owner, Joe Rideoutte, Jr. The long-troubled home has been ordered to remain closed for a minimum of one year in a bid to address the burgeoning crime and illegal drug activity it’s been synonymous with.

Details of the Injunction

The court order means that Mr. Rideoutte cannot lease, operate, or otherwise use the property located at 407 5th Avenue North for at least the next year. This injunction, however, despite being termed “permanent”, doesn’t denote an end to the “Yellow House” saga. According to the explanation by 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, it simply signifies the maximum period for which a business can be shut down under a permanent injunction.

A Crime-Ridden History

Prior to this decision, there was a temporary injunction in place that barred the usage of the “Yellow House” for one year. The court order came with compelling testimony from Ofc. Steph Parran of the Myrtle Beach Police Dept., as well as from Anthony Dale, a former resident of the house. Ofc. Parran’s testimony revealed that within 2018 alone, the police had to respond to an overwhelming 224 service calls from the property.

Furthermore, between January 2, 2019, and February 6, 2019, the residence saw five drug overdoses and one child testing positive for cocaine. The former resident’s confirmation of illicit drug sales and relentless prostitution activities further solidified the case against the residence, prompting stricter measures.

Reactions in the Neighbourhood

Members of the local community have expressed frustration and concern over this recurring issue. While some laud the crackdown, many are uneasy about the absence of a long-term solution. The potential harm the house poses to their safety and wellbeing has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the neighbourhood. HERE News Network had reached out to the property owner’s attorney and city managers about the measures being taken to rectify the situation but has yet to receive a response.

The Road Ahead

Once a year lapses, it will be incumbent upon the property owner to address and rectify the issues at the residence. Failure to do so might warrant further legal action. This could result in another shutdown to ensure community safety.

According to a report by the Myrtle Beach police, the “Yellow House” drew attention from the law enforcement 32 times between August and September 2023. Whether this new permanent injunction will finally provide a remedy to the house’s disturbing legacy of crime is still unclear.