Phoenix Councilwoman Betty Guardado has just addressed the closure of the Royal Inn, a notorious hotspot for illegal activities.
Following an FBI-led investigation, the hotel near I-17 and Bethany Home Road was shut down, marking a significant victory in the fight for neighborhood safety and crime reduction.
FBI Shuts Down Royal Inn in Phoenix
On the morning of September 25, 2024, FBI agents, with support from local law enforcement, seized and closed the Royal Inn. The hotel had long been a source of concern for residents, due to its involvement in drug trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering.
This closure is part of the ongoing 27th Avenue Community Safety Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of Phoenix neighborhoods.
Councilwoman Guardado, who has been a strong advocate for addressing crime in the area, shared her gratitude for the collaboration between community leaders and law enforcement, stating,
“The closure of the Royal Inn is a crucial step toward restoring safety in our community. This is a win for everyone who worked tirelessly to make this happen.”
Community Efforts and Law Enforcement Collaboration
For years, the Royal Inn had been linked to a variety of criminal activities. According to law enforcement, the hotel facilitated drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl and methamphetamine, and knowingly rented rooms to individuals engaged in prostitution.
The investigation revealed that the hotel’s owners not only allowed these illegal activities but actively worked to hide them from law enforcement.
Authorities charged the hotel owners with multiple offenses, including:
- Money laundering: 34 counts tied to the illegal profits generated by the hotel’s activities.
- Drug-related crimes: Maintaining a drug premises and enabling the distribution of controlled substances.
- Travel Act violations: Utilizing interstate commerce to aid illegal racketeering.
The FBI’s investigation also uncovered that the owners alerted pimps and drug dealers to police presence and made false statements to obtain a small business loan.
While human trafficking charges were not filed, authorities noted that the hotel created an environment that facilitated sexual exploitation.
Impact on Neighborhood Safety
The closure of the Royal Inn is the result of years of coordinated efforts between community organizations, the Phoenix Police Department, and federal agencies.
The 27th Avenue Community Safety Plan, which allocated $5.7 million to combat crime in the area, played a central role in these efforts.
The initiative has already funded several safety measures, including increased police patrols, community outreach programs, and the enforcement of stricter regulations on local businesses.
Crime Activity at Royal Inn |
Legal Response |
|---|---|
| Drug trafficking | Seizure of drugs, charges against owners |
| Prostitution | Arrests linked to organized prostitution |
| Money laundering | 34 counts of promotional money laundering |
Guardado emphasized the importance of community involvement in achieving this success.
“Without the support of local residents and organizations, this wouldn’t have been possible,” she noted,
highlighting the contributions of groups like the Berkley Square Neighborhood Association and the Rancho Solano Block Watch.
Final Thoughts: A Safer Path Forward
The Royal Inn’s closure represents a pivotal moment in the broader effort to reclaim Phoenix’s neighborhoods from criminal elements. As the community looks to the future, there is a renewed sense of optimism that this victory will lead to further improvements in public safety and quality of life.
Councilwoman Guardado and local leaders will continue to fight against crime and ensure Phoenix residents’ safety in their homes.
With ongoing collaboration and dedicated leadership, this closure may well be the first step in a larger transformation for the city.
