Authorities Seize Hotel, Hub of Crime in Central Phoenix Neighborhood

Federal authorities have seized the Royal Inn hotel in central Phoenix, a property linked to prostitution and drug-related activities, as part of a comprehensive law enforcement operation. The initiative, which involved collaboration between Phoenix police, the FBI, and the U. S. Attorney's Office, was prompted by a surge in crime and numerous complaints from residents over the past year. Investigators determined that the hotel was operating as a brothel, contributing to increased criminal activity in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Early Tuesday morning, law enforcement executed search warrants on the property, initiating the process of vacating and securing the site. Local school principal Andrew Feight noted that the closure would allow schools to focus more on education rather than community safety concerns. The investigation also examined the financial operations of the Royal Inn, scrutinizing how the owners profited from illegal activities. Councilwoman Betty Guardado expressed satisfaction with the law enforcement response and committed to ongoing collaboration to ensure community safety. The hotel is now boarded up and fenced off as authorities work to prevent future criminal activities in the area.