New York Indian Motel Owner Jayesh Patel Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Money Laundering and Selling Crack Cocaine
August 22, 2019 - Jayesh Patel (49), co-owner of Econo Lodge Inn & Suites near Syracuse airport, and Munchies convenience store in Solvay, NY was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in prison for money laundering and maintaining drug-involved premises.
New York Econo Lodge motel owner Jayesh Patel pleaded guilty to charges of money laundering and selling crack cocaine in March, 2019.
According to the plea agreement:
Patel, co-owner of the Munchies convenience store in Solvay, New York, and the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, located near the Syracuse airport, admitted that he sold crack cocaine on a nearly daily basis to drug customers inside Munchies and the Econo Lodge. Patel further admitted to laundering drug proceeds through his business account at Solvay Bank.
Law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Munchies, the Econo Lodge, and Patel’s residence and vehicle, seizing funds held in bank accounts and in U.S. currency. In all, these seizures totaled over $1 million, most of which were the proceeds from drug trafficking.
Other Penalties
The 60-months prison sentence of Jayesh Patel will be followed by three years of supervised release.In addition to 60-months prison sentence and supervised release, Jayesh Patel agreed to forfeit $931,588.06 in drug proceeds and 5,150 shares of Solvay Bank stock worth over $200,000.00.