Bill could solve ‘naked neighbor’ problem in north Charlotte

A proposed amendment to North Carolina’s indecent exposure law could solve the problem of north Charlotte neighbors frustrated by a man they say poses naked in front of his glass front door.

The bill, filed Thursday by Sen. Brent Jackson, a three-term legislator from Autryville, would make it illegal for a person to expose himself in a private place to anyone who doesn’t consent.

Neighbors in the Cardinal Glen neighborhood in north Charlotte have grown frustrated because they say one of their neighbors – Gerard Leeper – stands naked in front of his glass front door where anyone can see.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have said North Carolina’s indecent exposure law is blurry on whether someone can be prosecuted for being naked inside his house.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police attorney Mark Newbold said officers and members of the city council have talked about strengthening the law with legislators, including Jackson. Jackson could not be reached for comment. An aid said the issue was brought up by a constituent.

“We talked to a couple folks but one of them would be the lobbyist for the N.C. Police Executive Association,” Newbold said. “Some people also had some informal conversations with legislators.”

On Monday, the Cardinal Glen community held a homeowner’s association meeting that was attended by police to discuss what action they could take.

Police say they’ve conferred with the Mecklenburg District Attorney’s office and believe Leeper can be prosecuted under the current law. Officers and the neighborhood association are also trying to see if they can get Leeper to agree to counseling.

This story was originally published March 26, 2015 at 3:21 PM with the headline "Bill could solve ‘naked neighbor’ problem in north Charlotte."