Federal prosecutors say the owner of a Phoenix motel raided by authorities roughly 18 months ago has forfeited the property.
In September 2024, the FBI, Marshals Service and the Phoenix Police Department seized and shut down the Royal Inn, accusing the owner of profiting from crimes such as prostitution and drug trafficking.
A sweeping indictment against motel owner Varsha Patel and others was unsealed the same day.
Patel later pleaded guilty to using the Royal Inn to aid racketeering enterprises.
Now Patel has been sentenced to five years of probation, been forced to give up the motel and has to pay about $750,000 in fines and forfeitures.
Zachry Stoebe/United States Attorneys' Offices
