SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
A multi-agency motel interdiction sweep took place today at the Ponderosa Lodge (1400 East Fourth Street) in the interest of developing a better living environment for the residents of the motel.
The Reno Police Department, City of Reno Code Enforcement and Community Development, Reno Fire Department, Nevada OSHA, Washoe County Health Department, Nevada Worker’s Compensation, Washoe County Alternative Sentencing, Nevada Parole and Probation, Washoe County Social Services, American Red Cross, Kids to Seniors Korner, West Care Triage, and Washoe County Regional Animal Services collaborated on the sweep.
Community oriented policing and problem solving led to the sweep being conducted. The Reno Police Department utilized statistics from calls for service at the property along with intelligence led policing to indentify crime trends. The statistics showed criminal activity at the motel had been increasing in severity. In addition to the amounts of calls for service, the nature of incidents officers have encountered, drug sales, prostitution, and criminal activity in and around the hotel, officers received information from individuals voicing concerns that there were health and safety issues at the motel and the residents were afraid of the environment at and around the motel.
The sweep resulted in following:
• Condemned three structures on the property that housed approximately 50 units
• Two citations from Code Enforcement: 1) Dangerous Conditions -requiring immediate resolution in order to reopen. Includes electrical, plumbing, and fire hazards. 2) International Property Maintenance Code Violations – includes screens, rodent infestation, and uninhabitable conditions.
• Three arrests: (all arrests made under case #11-11127)
o LIBRO, Heidi Mercedez (date of birth 08-07-78) – Reno resident – Poss. of drug without prescription, Poss. of hypodermic device, Poss. of drug paraphernalia
o CANIZALES, Ricardo (date of birth 06-12-55) – Reno resident – Poss. of drug paraphernalia
o A white male (name being withheld) for parole violation and ex-felon failing to register. Parole and Probation did this arrest
• Five cited: (all cites made under case #11-11127)
o MASSENGILL Jr., Charles Edward (date of birth 07-25-59) – Reno resident – Registration required, Driver License not in possession, Insurance required
o JAMES, Lisa (date of birth 04-12-77) – Reno resident – Poss. of hypodermic device
o CUNNINGHAM, Rachelle (date of birth 02-20-78) – Reno resident – Occupying a motel room without registering
o MIMMIT, Jesse (date of birth 06-16-60) – Reno resident – Occupying a motel room with registering
o McCLEORY, Nicole Rose (date of birth 10-31-87) – Reno resident – Occupying a motel room without registering
