"While Reels Brothers remain in Jail, Construction Work Starts" by Mike Shutak in the Carteret County News-Times.

http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/article_043c8eb2-58b6-11e6-87d2-139a3b6572fd.html

Adams Creek Associates digs Trench on Disputed Property

The Reels family is concerned for the safety of their family and their property. Brothers Melvin Davis and LiCurtis Reels have been held in the Carteret County Jail since March, 2011. The brothers contend the court is ignoring the 1976 judgment which awarded 13.25 acres of Merriman shoreline to their family. When the court ruled the property belonged to Adams Creek Associates, Davis and Reels refused to vacate the contested property on Silver Dollar Road in Merriman, claiming the land has been in their family since 1911. They are incarcerated on trespassing and Contempt of Court charges. In 1976, the Reels family was represented by Claude Wheatley, Jr. Esq., who later represented the Adams Creek Associates.

Last month, Davis and Reels were denied a Motion in Cause filed against Judge Jack Jenkin’s 2011 Order.  No notice was given this week before a backhoe arrived on the Reel’s family property in Merriman and dug a trench across a back access road to the brothers’ property. This action is being supervised by the Carteret County Sheriff’s department. According to a recent land survey, the Reels family claims this road was never part of the 13.25 acres of the long-contested land. In addition, personal property, included a dump truck, pool table, and tools have been destroyed or removed from the property. Family wondered if  Davis and Reels could be allowed to retrieve their own property.

What does this action mean? If Adams Creek Associates is moving onto the disputed property will Melvin and LiCurtis soon be released? These are murky questions, in part, because Jenkin's 2011 order states the brothers must write and sign a document that states the property is not theirs. Usually such a document is drafted by the plaintiffs, not the defendants in such matters.

Meanwhile, Davis and Reels have been moved to individual jail cells at the Beaufort County Jail. For most of their five year incarceration, they have resided in the dormitory-style quarters. Mr. Reels has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and his family has great concern for his health. 

Writ of Habeas Corpus Filed and Denied!

    During the week of  June 2, the family of Melvin Davis and LiCurtis Davis  filed a Writ of Habeas Corpus with the North Carolina Supreme Court. The document states that both men have been unlawfully, illegally and continually incarcerated since March 17, 2011. The charge of Contempt of Court order demanded they tear down their homes and be charged with trespassing on property that has been in their family for generations.

    Within days after filing, the writ was denied by the high court. The family believes that justice has not been served and will continue to fight for the freedom of Melvin and LiCurtis.

    The family’s first concern is for the health and safety of the Mr. Reels and Mr. Davis who have not been outdoors since 2011. Their health has deteriorated while being inhumanely detained in a jail designed for short-term incarnation with limited medical treatment and exercise.

Christmas Card Campaign kicks off!

Please send a SUPPORTIVE Christmas card THIS WEEK to the Reels brothers who have not been outside in almost four years. Please show your support for two brothers who have been jailed on a trespassing charge and are fighting for land which has been in their family for nearly 100 years.

Melvin Davis and LiCurtis Reels

Carteret County Jail

P.O. Box 239

Beaufort, NORTH CAROLINA 28516

Peaceful March in Beaufort, NC: Request Release of the Reels Brothers!

http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/article_1e692bac-8896-11e4-974e-33f61012ffa2.html

March for the Reels Brothers!

Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 12:00 noon
Beaufort Court House, 318 Craven Street
Beaufort, North Carolina 28516
(Date Correction)

Let's come together to release Melvin Davis and LiCurtis Reels who have been imprisoned for nearly 4 years on a Contempt of Court charge. They have not been outside during their incarceration. They are being held in a jail which is designed for short-term confinement, and we are not sure if they are receiving proper medical treatment.  This property dispute is complicated, their well-being is not. We ask that they be released with ankle monitors! Please join us!

Marching for Freedom! Join us!

http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/article_251b9e30-7b03-11e4-bef5-efb9aea14f3a.html