Villa Described as ‘Open Air Drug Market’ and ‘Hotbed of Criminal Activity’ in Shutdown Order

The Villa Town Motel, 5401 Avenue Q, was temporarily shut down by a court order on Monday. 

A long list of allegations was made by the Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney’s Office (CDA).

Court records said, “Between January 1, 2015 and April 9, 2017, there have been 165 arrests made at The Villa Town Motel/Inn by officers with the Lubbock Police Department.”

Some (but not all) of the police calls to the Villa Town included:

• 23 Fights in Progress
• 426 Disturbances
• 222 Domestic Disturbances
• 4 Dead Bodies
• 18 Burglaries
• 32 Thefts
• 28 Auto Thefts
• 5 Runaways
• 8 Narcotics
• 46 Suspicious Vehicle Calls
• 28 Traffic Stops
• 8 Shots Fired
• 9 Assaults and Aggravated Assaults

The CDA mentioned an April 3 shooting – saying seven people were injured next door to the Villa Town.

In court records, the CDA wrote:

“Law enforcement officers with various area law enforcement agencies describe The Villa Town Motel/Inn as an ‘open air drug market,’ and as a ‘hotbed of criminal activity,’ which provides a ‘haven for dealers and users’ and for numerous criminal organizations such as the Crips, West Texas Tango Blast and others.”

The CDA also wrote, “Law enforcement officers report many prostitutions, and human traffickers use The Villa Town Motel/Inn as a base of operations.”

The CDA also referenced a story by KAMC News and EverythingLubbock on April 5, saying, “Neighbors of The Villa Town Motel have reported to local media outlets the crime and bad condition of the motel are concerning and they are hoping for government intervention.”

State District Judge Les Hatch signed a temporary restraining order against the Villa Town at 3:30 p.m. Monday.  By 5:00 p.m. residents were getting the message that they had to leave immediately.

“You’ve got people here that are disabled and on a fixed income. Where are they supposed to go?” asked resident Ann Sanders.

The Villa Town can only re-open if it meets a long list of conditions which include this partial list:  

• No cash payments without a valid credit card and government-issued I.D.
• No more than one key card per registered guest
• No registered guests without government-issued ID
• Surveillance system must work and meet certain standards
• Must restrict access to hallways, stairs, laundry room, hotel rooms and other areas
• No stays of more than 3 days without proof of employment at a legitimate, legal job
• Must have two or more peace officers on the property during certain times
• No pornographic or XXX-rated satellite feeds
• Must have a safety inspection from the fire marshal within 10 days

The judge will have a hearing on April 21 at 10:00 a.m. where the CDA and the Villa Town can both have their say.

Management chose on Monday evening not to comment.  EverythingLubbock.com will continue to reach out to the Villa Town management from time to time.