Two separate criminal cases in the United States have put individuals of Gujarat origin under legal scrutiny, with authorities in Arizona and New Jersey pursuing unrelated but serious allegations.
In Arizona, a 57-year-old woman has been sentenced in connection with a prostitution and drug trafficking operation allegedly run out of a motel property. In a different case on the East Coast, a 46-year-old man in New Jersey has been arrested over allegations of sexual assault involving a minor. While the matters are not linked, both cases are currently moving through the American legal system.
The Arizona case involves Varsha Patel, a resident of Chino Hills, California. On February 4, she was sentenced in a federal court in Phoenix by US District Judge Susan M. Brnovich. Patel had earlier admitted guilt to a charge of using a facility of interstate commerce to support racketeering activities.
As part of the sentence, the court ordered five years of probation. Additionally, the Royal Inn motel property was ordered to be forfeited. Authorities also directed the confiscation of $744,000 (approximately Rs 6.8 crore) identified as illegal proceeds, and imposed a fine of $5,000 (around Rs 4.5 lakh).
Federal agencies said the case was the result of a joint investigation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Phoenix Police Department and the US Marshals Service. According to investigators, the Royal Inn had allegedly functioned for several years as a hub for prostitution and drug-related activities. A search warrant carried out in September 2024 resulted in the seizure and subsequent closure of the property. Officials stated that complaints from local residents and nearby schools about suspected criminal conduct at the motel had been raised repeatedly before enforcement action was taken.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, a separate case has led to the arrest of Tejas Patel, 46, a resident of Woodbridge. He was taken into custody by the Special Victims Unit of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities have charged him with second-degree sexual assault and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child under New Jersey law. Prosecutors allege that the offences took place on multiple occasions in 2024 in Jersey City, when the complainant was 15 years old.
Investigators have stated that the accused is believed to have come into contact with the minor through a social media platform. He was apprehended in Secaucus and is currently being held at the Hudson County Correctional Facility. Officials said he remains in custody pending his initial court appearance.
Both cases continue to proceed independently within their respective jurisdictions. While unrelated, the gravity of the charges in each matter has drawn public attention as legal proceedings move forward.
Also Read: Two Gujaratis Residing In USA Charged In $653,000 Kenosha Gold Fraud https://www.vibesofindia.com/two-gujaratis-residing-in-usa-charged-in-653000-kenosha-gold-fraud/
