The Morganton Department of Public Safety has conducted multiple operations at the Super 8 Motel on South Sterling Street, resulting in several arrests and the seizure of drugs, guns, and paraphernalia.
The suspects were getting FEMA assistance at one time, according to workers and the owner.
The focus of the investigation on the Super 8 Motel comes after numerous complaints of criminal and drug activity at the location since September 2024.
The Super 8 Motel, located at 2402 South Sterling Street, has been a hotspot for criminal activity, with officers responding to nearly 80 calls since Hurricane Helene.
At one time, the motel had 45 to 50 rooms booked and paid for by families with FEMA assistance from Hurricane Helene.
“Unfortunately, we were having issues with locals and a lot of visitors coming in and out,” said general manager AJ Jinwala. “If the room was booked for one guest, there were four or five guest using the same room.”
This increase in activity is partly attributed to the motel accepting FEMA assistance for temporary housing.
Leslie Jones says Helene damaged her home. FEMA provided her a voucher at the motel after the storm.
“I think that there was a problem before that,” said Jones. “I don’t think it necessarily has anything to do with FEMA.”
Buddy Killian said police have been on the property just about every day this year. He doesn’t blame people displaced by the storm.
“I know a lot of people who had FEMA and they’re good people so I don’t understand why that would be a problem,” said Killian.
The hotel says it is now checking license tags to ensure they match the guests who are registered to stay there.
“Over 90% is people visiting that are causing the issues,” said Jinwala. “We are taking very strict action and eliminating those people visiting.”
The hotel says it’s also building better fencing around the property.
There are about eight or nine families still getting help from FEMA.
Arrests:
- Roderick Jatavian Caldwell, 30, of Morganton. Outstanding warrants.
- Tyler Dwayne South, 34, of Morganton. Possession of Schedule II. Probation violation.
- Ashley Michelle Scott, 41, of Morganton. Possession of Schedule VI. Possession of CS in jail.
- Robin Beam Surratt, 59, of Morganton. Probation violation, fail to appear on a felony
- Winter Malee Fox, 30, of Morganton. Possession of Schedule II
- Brandon Andrew Perry, 40, of Lenoir. Possession of Schedule II
Two handguns and drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, Xanax, marijuana, cocaine, and suboxone, were seized.
Several vehicles were also stopped, and the drivers were cited for various infractions.
The event took place over three days.
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