PHOENIX, AZ – A Phoenix hotel notorious for illegal activities has been shut down following a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. The Royal Inn, located near West Bethany Home Road and Interstate 17, has been a hotspot for drug deals and prostitution for years, according to authorities.
The Phoenix Police Department began receiving numerous complaints about the property around 2015. Residents and neighbors voiced concerns about illicit activities happening at the hotel, prompting an extensive investigation. Despite several arrests over the years, the illegal activities persisted, leading local police to seek assistance from federal partners, including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Undercover operations and court documents revealed that the hotel’s owner and manager, who are related and reside out of state, were aware of the ongoing criminal activities but chose to ignore them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has now seized the property, and arrest warrants are pending for both the owner and manager.
Authorities described the Royal Inn as a marketplace for illegal activities, including the sexual exploitation of individuals and the sale of dangerous drugs. The hotel’s proximity to residential neighborhoods and schools exacerbated the situation, posing a significant risk to the community.
In addition to the owner and manager, three other individuals face arrest warrants related to the investigation. A maintenance worker at the property has already been arrested on drug sales charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and more arrests could follow as authorities continue to unravel the extent of the criminal network.
The Phoenix Police Department emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation, which took several years to ensure all aspects were meticulously addressed. The exact number of individuals involved remains unclear, but the crackdown marks a significant step in curbing illegal activities in the area.
Further updates on the case will be provided as the investigation progresses.