Delaware News

DOJ shuts down infamous “Animal House” property

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Newsroom | Date Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2025


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Attorney General Kathy Jennings has shut down a property in Hartly, Delaware nicknamed “The Animal House” due to its reputation for criminal activity. The action follows an investigation into a stream of complaints ranging from illegal bonfires that introduced toxic fumes into the air, to the harboring of fugitives and drive by shootings. The property was a hotbed for illegal drug activity including the sale production and use of heroin and methamphetamine, among others, and led to frequent overdoses, including a fatality. Police responded to approximately 160 complaints over the last 8 years – including a dangerous undercover drug operation.
On May 9, 2025, 2022 Slaughter Station Rd., Hartly, Delaware, owned by 59-year-old Shawn Haley, was declared a criminal nuisance in Kent County Superior Court and ordered to shut down pending the permanent criminal nuisance abatement process. Under the order, all leases associated with the property were rendered void, and Haley, who also resided at the property, and its other tenants were required to vacate by May 12.
 “All Delaware landlords have a legal and moral obligation to follow the law and maintain their properties accordingly- full stop,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “In both the nature and sheer amount of crimes occurring, this property posed an unprecedented risk to the community and the government agencies tasked with protecting it; it simply could not be allowed to continue. I am grateful to our prosecutors and the Delaware State Police for their swift and decisive action, the community is much safer for it.”
The case was referred to the DOJ by the Delaware State Police. The property will remain closed until the permanent abatement hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
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DOJ shuts down infamous “Animal House” property

Department of Justice | Department of Justice Press Releases | Newsroom | Date Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2025


Navy blue background featuring the Delaware state seal in the center
Attorney General Kathy Jennings has shut down a property in Hartly, Delaware nicknamed “The Animal House” due to its reputation for criminal activity. The action follows an investigation into a stream of complaints ranging from illegal bonfires that introduced toxic fumes into the air, to the harboring of fugitives and drive by shootings. The property was a hotbed for illegal drug activity including the sale production and use of heroin and methamphetamine, among others, and led to frequent overdoses, including a fatality. Police responded to approximately 160 complaints over the last 8 years – including a dangerous undercover drug operation.
On May 9, 2025, 2022 Slaughter Station Rd., Hartly, Delaware, owned by 59-year-old Shawn Haley, was declared a criminal nuisance in Kent County Superior Court and ordered to shut down pending the permanent criminal nuisance abatement process. Under the order, all leases associated with the property were rendered void, and Haley, who also resided at the property, and its other tenants were required to vacate by May 12.
 “All Delaware landlords have a legal and moral obligation to follow the law and maintain their properties accordingly- full stop,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “In both the nature and sheer amount of crimes occurring, this property posed an unprecedented risk to the community and the government agencies tasked with protecting it; it simply could not be allowed to continue. I am grateful to our prosecutors and the Delaware State Police for their swift and decisive action, the community is much safer for it.”
The case was referred to the DOJ by the Delaware State Police. The property will remain closed until the permanent abatement hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
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Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.