CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal prosecutors have again taken action to seize a property over allegations that it could be connected to federal crimes.
U.S. Magistrate Judge David Cayer on Thursday signed an order and lis pendens regarding the Motel 6 property near the corner of Interstate 77 and Nations Ford Road in south Charlotte.
A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer and an FBI special agent showed the judge an affidavit alleging that the property "constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable" to federal drug and conspiracy violations, according to the court document.
The affidavit, which likely contains details of specific allegations, has not been made public.
Eyewitness News called a number listed for the property owner, Mahavir & Muni Inc., on Tuesday. The call went to the Motel 6 front desk. A manager said he was unaware of the court action. An owner of the property did not immediately return a message.
A corporate representative of Motel 6 also did not return a request for comment.
Eyewitness News has covered several crimes at the Motel 6 over the last several years. In 2008, a couple killed a woman on the property, officials said.
It isn't the first time that federal prosecutors have taken such an action against a hotel in recent years.
Federal investigators filed a motion in 2015 saying that a Red Roof Inn on Queen City Drive was subject to forfeiture. Court documents chronicled a history of alleged criminal activity, including drugs and human trafficking.
The Red Roof Inn terminated its franchise agreement with the inn. The U.S. Attorney's Office later reached a settlement with the owner to tackle crime problems.
In making its case, the government noted numerous complaints from hotel guests in the hotel's online reviews.
Eyewitness News checked online reviews for the Motel 6 in south Charlotte.
One reviewer wrote on Yelp: "Was asked if I wanted drugs twice." Another wrote: "Seems like there might be (a lot) of drugs floating around."