After months of surveilling the Opp Motor Lodge, law enforcement made two arrests in connection to a potential prostitution and sex trafficking ring.
Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman said deputies worked with officers from the Opp Police Department to gather evidence over several months.
Dixitkumar Rasikbhai Patel and Ketan Na Talati were arrested this week.
Patel was charged with promoting prostitution/interstate transport of a female for prostitution and two counts of soliciting prostitution. His bond was set at $16,000.
Talati was charged with promoting prostitution/interstate transport of a female for prostitution and six counts of soliciting prostitution. His bond was set at $26,000.
More arrests are expected.
Turman released a lengthy statement on the arrests, saying the alleged activity occurring at the hotel does not reflect the values of the county. He said he hopes the motel will be shut down immediately.
“America is the great melting pot of the world, and I am proud of this,” said Turman. “We accept everyone; we only ask that our laws be observed and that we show each other mutual respect. God created all of us equal, but we are not all the same. America, being the melting pot, ensures that we remain respectful of one another, no matter our race, religion, creed, or culture.
“These victims are someone’s children,” he continued. “As a parent, it disgusts me and angers me that these individuals were taken advantage of when they were at their lowest point. These acts of gratification are devious and show a lack of common decency and respect for people.”
Turman thanked the multiple agencies that assisted in the investigation.
He asked citizens to report any suspicious activity.
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