Abandoned Omaha Motel Falls into Disrepairโค Following Trafficking Raid
An Omaha motel, previously targeted in โขa federal raid connected โto a sex trafficking operation, isโ now deteriorating and posing concerns for nearby businesses and residents. The property, located near 13th โand I-80, was part of a largerโ operationโค involving four metro motels, and has remained closedโฃ since โฃthe raid.
Omaha City Councilmember Ronโฃ Hug reports receiving complaints from neighbors and business owners regardingโข increased activity and new โdamage at the โsite. The โmotel exhibits notable disrepair, withโ broken windows, discarded furniture โฃboth insideโ and outside, and anโข unsecured โคside entrance. โA hazardous indoor pool, stagnant and visiblyโ unsanitary, remains full of water.
“The building needs to be secure, the pool needs to be drained,” Hugโข stated.
The condition of โขthe โmotel is impacting surrounding businesses. John โCap, of Chops Bowlingโข Center, noted the negative impressionโข theโฃ dilapidated โคproperty creates for visitorsโฃ arriving โคfrom the interstate, notably those heading โคto attractionsโข like the Omaha Zoo.
Adding to the problem,the abandoned motel has become a target for trespassers stripping the building for scrap metal. Neighboring landlord Amy Hynek described seeing individuals removing copper wiring and air conditioning units, andโข reported damage โคto theโค property’s fencing. The Hyneks,who operate a short-term rental nearby,say the motel’s condition is negatively impacting their business,with guests citing concerns about the neighborhood. Thay have โdocumented evidence, โคincluding video and photos, showing continued activity at the site, including both human and โฃanimal presence.
While โขOmaha police are responding to trespassing calls, questions remainโข regarding responsibility โขfor securing and cleaning up the property. The โฃmotel owner is facing federal charges, and his attorney is โฃreportedly working โwith a realtor on a plan for securing the property and potential sale. Though,the process might potentiallyโข be delayed โคdue to federal oversight related to the forfeiture โฃof the four motels involvedโ in the original โindictment.
The city reports having tired its legalโ options, describing the situation as being in “legal limbo.” Attempts to reach the US Attorney and the โOmahaโ FBI field office for comment were unsuccessful, potentially due to the ongoing government โคshutdown. โ
Neighbors โฃare hoping for a swift resolution, โadvocating forโค the property to beโฃ either boarded up or demolished.
