Once seen as crime magnet, Motel 6 has met terms of deal to improve local properties

It wasn’t long ago that Motel 6 properties in Sacramento County were known for their high crime rates.

“They had become a magnet of criminal behavior,” including drug trafficking and prostitution, District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert told The Bee in 2016, detailing Motel 6’s troubled reputation.

In response, Sacramento County and the cities of Sacramento and Rancho Cordova asked the chain – the nation’s largest discount hotel operator – to enter into a memorandum of understanding so all parties could address the issue together. Among other things, the agreement called for the chain to contribute $750,000 over time to the DA’s Office for disbursement to community groups that work to reduce crime. Motel 6 also agreed to use armed security guards, conduct guest background checks and ban nighttime visitors at six local properties.

That effort has now been proclaimed a success, said Natalia Luna, assistant chief deputy district attorney of the Community and Government Relations Division for the DA’s Office.

“Everything we wanted them to do was done,” Luna said. “Crime was reduced (and) calls for service were reduced.”

Schubert announced in a press release on Tuesday that Motel 6 had fulfilled its end of the bargain by paying the full amount after one last deposit of $210,000 this year.

“The final disbursement of community improvement funds and Motel 6’s enhanced operational practices successfully completes the MOU,” Schubert said.

The $210,000 will be divided among 16 local organizations that were chosen by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, according to Schubert’s office, including A Community for Peace, a group that supports survivors of abuse.

A previous installment of $540,000 was spread among 27 local nonprofits while also funding four scholarships for Grant High School seniors pursuing careers in law enforcement and public service. Some funds also went to the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center, according to the press release.

Schubert hailed the importance of the agreement between Motel 6 and the local agencies.

“This unique agreement is another example of how we are working both in the courtroom and the community to reduce crime... I am proud of the positive change that has resulted by working with a regional corporate partner,“ she said.

Representatives from Motel 6 did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the agreement.

This story was originally published December 13, 2018 at 2:58 PM.