Crime & Safety

Drug Bust Includes Days Inn General Manager Arrest

Following 6 arrests at the Cadillac Motel and 10 arrests at the Days Inn, owners say they will work with police to deter prostitution.

Two North Trail motel owners in Sarasota told police they'll work with them after 18 arrests between the two of them including one of their general managers.

The Sarasota Police Department has made 10 arrests at the and six arrests at the during two recent prostitution investigations.

One noteable arrest even included the general manager of the Days Inn, Haider Ali Jaffer, 55, police said. He is no longer an employee of the Days Inn after he was arrested on April 18 for ownership, lease, rental, or possession of a structure for sale of a controlled substance, police said. 

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During the month of April the Sarasota Police Vice Narcotics Unit, and Street Crimes Unit, have made a concentrated effort to address illegal narcotics activity and  

This latest bust arrested 34 people overall, police said.

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"It is my hope that the recent operations at the Days Inn and Cadillac Motel, along with prostitution operations conducted by the Street Crimes Unit, begin to make a difference in the quality of life for residents, businesses and patrons in and around North Trail," said Lt. Pat Ledwith, Commander of the Vice Narcotics Unit in a statement. 

"It is apparent that both locations served as a hub for illegal activity in the area.  The ownership of both establishments have expressed a desire to work with the police to make improvements to discourage this type of activity.  We will do everything practical to assist them."  

The Sarasota Police SWAT Team, Narcotics, and Street Crimes Units executed four search warrants on four rooms at the Cadillac Motel with the following results at the Cadillac Motel:

  • In Room 109 Kiwon R. Abner, 19, 2933 Palmadelia Ave. was arrested and charged with Possession of Rock cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a park.
  • In Room 114 Reginald Frazier, 25, 6420 8th St. W. Bradenton was arrested and charged with Possession of Rock cocaine with intent to sell within 1000 feet of a park.
  • In Room 115 William Storey, 38, 1575 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way was arrested and charged with Possession of Rock Cocaine with intent to sell within 1000 feet of a park and Possession of Marijuana. 
  • Also in Room 115 Jamal Barnes, 42, 4021 N Trail was arrested and charged with Possession of Rock cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a park, Possession of Marijuana over 20 grams, Possession of a controlled substance (Dilaudid) Schedule 2, and Possession of drug paraphernalia.
  • In Room 123 Kevin L Davis, 21, 6420 8th St. Ct. West Bradenton was arrested and charged with Possession of Rock cocaine with intent to sell within 1000 feet of a park, Possession of Marijuana less than 20 grams, and possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • Also in Room 123 Victor L. Shuler, 20, 2113 32nd St. was arrested and charged with Possession of Rock cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a park, Possession of Marijuana less than 20 grams, and possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

In total 7.3 grams of Rock Cocaine, 6.4 grams of Powder Cocaine, 24.1 grams of marijuana, 1 gram of Dilaudid (Schedule II narcotic), and Drug Paraphernalia was seized, police said.

At the Cadillac Motel, six individuals were arrested for a total of 14 criminal charges. 

The following people were arrested at the Days Inn, 4900 N. Tamiam Trail, on April 18 following a search warrant and investigations:

  •  Room 120, shortly after exiting the room, Channing James, 27, was arrested for Possession of Rock Cocaine (73 pieces), Driving while License Suspended, and Escape.
  •  Parking Lot: an undercover detective purchased illegal narcotics from Raymond Sanders, 24, Sanders had been observed in Room 218 for three days prior to the sale.
  • Marcus Abner, 27, observed walking in 4900 block, was stopped in the 5000 block where officers were aware of active arrest warrants, found to be in possession of Rock Cocaine and Marijuana.  Arrested on warrant and drug possession charges.
  • Deborah Powell, 53, arrested on April 18 during search warrant in Room 218 for possession of marijuana.
  • Raymond Sanders III, 24, and Jeon L. Jenkins, 15, arrested during search warrant at Room 218, both charges with crimes including Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Sell or Deliver within 1,000 feet of a church.

During the investigations criminal charges were developed on three additional suspects for fleeing to elude, driving on a suspended license, trespass, and driving while a license suspended with knowledge, police said.

As part of the Sarasota Police Department's efforts, the department will forward suggestions to other hotel motel operators of what to watch for and how to crack down on this acvitity.

The suggestions are designed to minimize the chance of this type of criminal activity on their properties, police said. 

The suggestions will include reporting suspicious activity to 316-1199 (non-emergency dispatch).

Anyone who wants to report information about narcotics or prostitution activity can call the Sarasota Police Department Narcotics Hotline at 941-954-7050. 

The caller can remain anonymous. 


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