By David Eck
Enquirer contributor

HAMILTON - Armed with a court order and metal sheets, Hamilton police on Friday boarded up and secured a home they said was a haven for drug trafficking and prostitution.

The house at 1037 Hamilton Ave. was declared a nuisance Friday in Butler County Common Pleas Court, and Ohio law allows the building to be sealed for up to one year, officials said.

"We have received hundreds of complaints of prostitution and drug trafficking at the residence," Hamilton Sgt. Thomas said. "This is for numerous complaints."

At least nine people were arrested on various charges at the house between Nov. 6 and Dec. 27, police records show. The charges involve drug paraphernalia, drug possession, open warrants, permitting drug abuse and carrying concealed weapons.

Bill J. Haney, the house's owner, was charged with two counts of permitting drug abuse, police records show.

In a Nov. 7 letter to Haney, Hamilton police told him the city may have to consider legal action to declare the home a public nuisance.

"This is based primarily on the large volume of illegal narcotics and prostitute activity occurring at 1037 Hamilton Ave., which has been discovered during our police department's frequent involvement and investigations at this location," the letter said.

The letter also indicated that police asked Haney to work with them to solve the problem.

In a biting wind and snow flurries, police officers and work-release prisoners used a cordless drill to secure metal sheets over the back and side windows of the white, single-family house. The front windows were secured from inside.

A large warning sign was placed next to the front door.

One unidentified woman cheered as she walked by the home.

Neighbors, who said the home was constantly bustling with people going in and out, were happy with the police action.

"I think it's the best thing that has ever happened," said Richard Holt, who has lived across the street for more than 20 years. "I came home one night and they were making a drug deal right out in front of our house. There's just nothing we could do."

E-mail daveck@fuse.net