Hollygrove motel shut down due to ‘rampant criminal activity’

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — A motel on Airline Highway near the Hollygrove area has been shut down.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams hosted a news conference on Wednesday, Sept. 4, stating the London Lodge Motel was closed after a multi-departmental and multi-jurisdictional investigation revealed “rampant criminal activity,” health code violations and quality of life concerns.

According to Williams, the motel was the scene of several crimes including homicides, drug and gun sales and rapes since June 2023.

“We don’t have enough police. We don’t have enough prosecutors. So, what we can do is go after the sites that [are] responsible for the most crime to try to potentially reduce and prevent further crime,” said Williams.

He also noted that the property has become dilapidated, citing piles of trash, broken windows, missing doors, gas leaks and pests.

“This is a significant moment for the Airline Highway and Hollygrove communities, which have been burdened by rampant criminal activity and deplorable living conditions at this property for far too long,” said Williams.

Williams said the City of New Orleans’ Padlock Ordinance was used as part of the efforts to shut down the motel. This closure is the first time the ordinance has been used since its creation.

Watch the district attorney’s full conference:

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