FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 4, 2024

Multiagency Effort Results in Closure of London Lodge Motel for Immediate Life Safety Issues

New Orleans, LA – The London Lodge Motel, long known as a hub for violent crime and hazardous living conditions, has officially been shut down. This closure, spearheaded by District Attorney Jason Williams and supported by multiple city, and state partners, marks a significant victory for public safety in New Orleans and the Airline Highway and Hollygrove communities.

“Today, we announce the closure of the London Lodge Motel, a long-overdue action made possible by months of hard work, collaboration, and determination,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “This is not just about shutting down one problem property. It is about restoring safety and dignity to a community that has suffered for too long.”

The Motel has been the site of multiple violent crimes, including a homicide and an aggravated rape, and its closure comes after comprehensive investigations and inspections. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) began its narcotics investigation in June 2023, uncovering not only rampant drug activity but also weapons trafficking.

Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson emphasized the deeper significance of this operation: “Removing a center for crime like the London Lodge is essential. Simply arresting individuals only scratches the surface. We use a surgical approach to dismantle the infrastructure that allows crime to thrive. This motel wasn’t just a location—it was a safe haven for criminals, and its closure sends a strong message.”

The inroads made by the ATF laid the foundation required for NOPD Superintendent Kirkpatrick and 3rd District Captain Bush to move forward with serving a letter on London Lodge ownership triggering the Nuisance Property or “Padlock” ordinance. Representatives in attendance expressed their gratitude for the NOPD’s crucial first step in the process, with DA Williams stating: “We want to send a special thanks to Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick for her strong leadership in this effort. Her decision to utilize the City’s Padlock Ordinance enabled this collaboration to take shape and ultimately led us to where we are today. Your vision and commitment to public safety have been crucial in making this happen. Thank you for being an amazing partner.”

Council President Helena Moreno was instrumental in the development and application of the Padlock Ordinance, which enabled this collaborative action. “It was crucial to create a tool that would allow us to target problem establishments like London Lodge,” Moreno stated. “We worked closely with the Baltimore Police Department to develop these protocols, and I leaned on my former colleague at the State Fire Marshal’s office to secure the final cease-and-desist order. Closing London Lodge was a task that many saw as insurmountable, but this team has proven that no obstacle is too big when we come together.”

The closure was not only about the crimes but also about the egregious health and safety violations discovered. A multi-agency inspection conducted in June 2024 uncovered severe issues, including units with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees, mold growth on ceilings and walls, sewage backups, and dangerous gas leaks. The Fire Marshal’s final inspection in August 2024 led to the issuance of a cease-and-desist order. These conditions were deemed immediate life safety threats, making it impossible for the motel to remain operational without comprehensive abatement of the violations cited.

Director of Strategic Initiatives Daniel Shanks, a key figure in coordinating the operation, described the intensive effort required to make this closure a reality. “Working closely with Council President Moreno, 3rd District Captain Merlin Bush, and representatives from the Chief Administrative Office and multiple City departments was key to getting this across the finish line,” Shanks explained. “It was vital that we all moved in lockstep, ensuring that every aspect of this operation was addressed, from legal enforcement to ensuring displaced residents were cared for.”

Before the closure took place, partner agencies worked diligently to ensure that every resident and patron living in the London Lodge Motel was accommodated with alternative housing options or connected to services where needed. The Health Department and Office of Homelessness Services along with other city departments, conducted multiple visits to inform residents of available resources, including shelters, affordable housing services, and temporary lodging at comparable rates. This compassionate approach ensured that no one was left behind during the shutdown. “This operation was not just about closing a building; it was about ensuring that residents, many of whom were vulnerable, had somewhere safe to go,” said Shanks. “
The timeline of the operation reflects months of planning and coordination:

– June 2023: ATF initiates a narcotics investigation into London Lodge Motel.

– January 2024: A three-year-old is shot in the 400 Building, prompting further urgency.

– June 24, 2024: Multi-agency inspection reveals widespread violations, including a natural gas leak in a hot water heater with no ventilation.

– August 29, 2024: Fire Marshal orders a 72-hour evacuation, and on September 1, 2024, the motel is officially closed.

SAC Joshua Jackson underscored the importance of this operation in dismantling systemic criminal activity. “This operation was a textbook example of what it means to go beyond arrests. We’re not interested in just putting away people who will be replaced by others. By closing down the London Lodge, we’ve removed a major conduit for illegal activity and a safe haven for criminals.”

District Attorney Williams echoed this sentiment, adding, “Our goal is not simply to punish individuals but to eliminate environments where crime flourishes. This is about public safety, but it’s also about human dignity,” said Williams. “No one deserves to live in conditions that jeopardize their health and well-being.”

Today’s announcement sends a clear message: New Orleans is committed to improving the safety and quality of life in its most vulnerable neighborhoods. As Daniel Shanks noted, “This intervention was about more than closing a building—it was about changing the trajectory of an entire community.”