Chino Hills, a Patel, Royal Inn motel, "hub for prostitution and drug activities"

 

"Varsha Patel, 57, of Chino Hills, California, was sentenced on Feb. 4, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to five years of probation, forfeiture of the Royal Inn motel, forfeiture of $744,000, and a $5,000 fine. Patel previously pleaded guilty to Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises."

FBI Phoenix press release:

The owner of a motel known for serving as a hub for prostitution and drug activities has been sentenced in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine.

Varsha Patel, 57, of Chino Hills, California, was sentenced on Feb. 4, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to five years of probation, forfeiture of the Royal Inn motel, forfeiture of $744,000, and a $5,000 fine. Patel previously pleaded guilty to Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises.  

“When federal and local law enforcement team up it’s a force multiplier. In this case, the Phoenix Police Department, FBI and U.S. Marshals joined forces to shut down the Royal Inn, making an immediate and significant impact on public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Together, we will take decisive action to ensure Arizonans live in communities where families, schools, and businesses can thrive.”

“This sentencing is the culmination of several years of hard work by both the FBI and the Phoenix Police Department. The defendant knowingly and willingly operated the Royal Inn to facilitate the sexual exploitation of people and the sale of drugs,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge, Heith Janke. “The defendant essentially operated a marketplace of illicit activity and profited for years while turning a blind and uncaring eye to the families that live in that neighborhood. That ended when the FBI seized the hotel, and this defendant will now pay the price for her actions.”

"Our partnerships with federal agencies are critical in dismantling organizations that allow criminal behavior to affect the quality of life of our community members,” said Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano. “By working together, we ensure that those who profit from illegal enterprises are held accountable. This case demonstrates that when law enforcement agencies work together, we can restore safety and security to the areas most impacted by crime."

A search warrant was executed in September 2024 at the Royal Inn, located at 2510 W. Palo Verde Drive in Phoenix, Arizona, following an extensive coordinated investigation by the Phoenix Police Department and the FBI. The high volume of criminal activity at the Royal Inn was well known in the community where residents, business owners, and two schools, witnessed around-the-clock prostitution and drug dealing. Following the execution of a search and seizure warrant, the U.S. Marshals Service shuttered and fenced off the premises, ending the neighborhood blight.

“The United States Marshals Service is committed to supporting safe and stable communities across Arizona,” said United States Marshal Van Bayless. “Through strong collaboration with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we were able to address criminal activity that had long impacted this neighborhood. The closure of the Royal Inn reflects what can be accomplished when agencies work together toward a shared goal of protecting the public and restoring confidence in the communities we serve.”

The Phoenix Police Department, FBI Phoenix, and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.