Canfield motel to remain closed for at least 30 days

By Elise Franco

A temporary agreement was reached after more than an hour of discussions.

CANFIELD — The El Patio Motel will remain closed for at least another 30 days.

Dan Dascenzo, magistrate for Judge Lou D’Apolito of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, said a temporary resolution was agreed upon Monday afternoon during private meetings between city officials, El Patio owner Arthur Klein and their lawyers.

Both parties discussed possible deals for more than an hour before Dascenzo made his ruling.

“The restraining order will remain in effect for 30 days,” Dascenzo said.

He said after 30 days they will meet back in court to review the status of the injunction. At that time, Dascenzo said both sides will have the opportunity to talk again.

He said the court will either conduct a hearing to determine whether the motel should remain closed or have the opportunity to continue the temporary restraining order.

Canfield police shut down the motel May 27, several weeks after five employees at the El Patio and the Canfield Colonial motels were charged with offenses related to prostitution.

Four have pleaded guilty and been convicted. The only unresolved case is that of Klein, 67, Akron-Canfield Road, who faces criminal charges in common pleas court of promoting prostitution and conspiracy to promote prostitution with forfeiture specifications.

The Colonial Motel, also owned by Klein and located in the township, isn’t subject to the temporary restraining order. It’s part of an ongoing investigation by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department.

Dascenzo said former El Patio residents will be granted limited access through the Canfield Police Department to retrieve some of their personal belongings.

Due to a court ruling, no one from either side was able to comment on the case to reporters.

efranco@vindy.com