Bhakta
People v. Bhakta
Opinion
Opinion
Flier, J.
Appellants Rameshbhai C. Bhakta, Manharbhai G. Bhakta and Sarojben D. Bhakta, individually and doing business as the Boulevard Motel, appeal from a preliminary injunction issued by the trial court restraining them from facilitating or encouraging prostitution or providing a place where prostitution can occur on the premises. We affirm.
FACTS
Appellants either own or operate the motel, located on South Figueroa Street in the City of Los Angeles. Since June 2001, law enforcement officers have made multiple arrests at the motel for prostitution and related crimes. Managers of the motel have been repeatedly arrested for keeping a disorderly house in violation of Penal Code section 316 and failing to properly maintain a motel register in violation of Los Angeles Municipal Code section 41.49. Despite these enforcement efforts, the motel has a reputation in the community as a place where prostitution is permitted to occur. Between June 2001 and the filing of this action, law enforcement officers have observed prostitution activity at the motel or made prostitution related arrests at least 31 times.