3 charged in Canfield 'brothel' probe

By ELISE FRANCO

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

CANFIELD — City police arrested three people they believe were involved in a prostitution ring at the El Patio Motel.

Detective Brian McGivern said El Patio at 485 W. Main St. has been the subject of many complaints over the past 10 years.

He said the investigation began, with the help of the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department, after a complaint of solicitation for sex at the business.

Arthur Klein, 67, El Patio owner and Canfield township resident, is charged with a fourth-degree felony of promoting prostitution.

“This charge alleges that Klein established, maintained, operated, managed, supervised, controlled or had an interest in a brothel,” McGivern said.

The motel’s manager, Patricia Jordan, 51, is charged with procuring prostitution. McGivern said the charge, a first-degree misdemeanor, means Jordan was aware of the illegal activity but continued to rent out rooms.

Mark Dean Sr., 45, a motel employee, is charged with soliciting prostitution. Both Dean and Jordan lived at the motel.

All three will appear in Mahoning County Area Court in Canfield at 5 p.m. Wednesday. If convicted, Klein faces up to 18 months in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine, Jordan faces up to six months in jail and a maximum $5,000 fine and Dean faces up to 60 days and a maximum $3,000 fine.

McGivern said two Youngstown police officers who were from the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force were sent in undercover four weeks ago to gather evidence. “Police utilized confidential informants and undercover police officers during this investigation,” he said. “This resulted in numerous video and audio recordings.”

Canfield police served a search warrant at the El Patio Thursday afternoon, while the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department searched Canfield Colonial Motel, 7815 Akron Canfield Road. Sheriff Randall Wellington said procuring charges will be filed Monday against two of the individuals involved. He said it’s not yet clear which two will be charged.

McGivern said the searches turned up records, documents and cash. He said Klein owns both motels, and police believe they were both being used to conduct the illegal activity.

Detective Sgt. Andy Bodzak said the motels rent rooms on a monthly basis and are not used solely for prostitution.

“The investigation revealed that prostitutes and informants were renting rooms out for minutes, 20 or 30 minutes at a time, for a discounted rate,” he said. “They would pay $20 for a room then tip the manager. That’s not how a motel is run.”

McGivern said the department was looking specifically for a lack of tenant records.

“Our confidential informant and undercover officer paid with cash each time,” he said. “We were looking for that to not be documented.”

Police Chief Chuck Colucci said it’s important for residents and business owners in the area to know their city and neighborhoods are still safe.

“Residents do not condone these actions, nor will the Canfield Police Department,” he said.

Colucci said the department will be working with the city to file a civil suit against the motels.

“We’re looking into public nuisance and abatement,” he said. “As long as these motels are open, we’re not going to tolerate this type of criminal activity.”

efranco@vindy.com