Police: Braidwood motel owner, manager arrested

A Braidwood hotel owner was arrested Thursday on a charge of promoting prostitution. His manager also was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery, police said.

On Thursday, Vinodchandra “Vinny” Patel, 64, of Des Plaines, and Kanubhai “Kenny” Patel, 67, of Braidwood, were taken into custody on warrants for their arrest, according to a Braidwood police news release.

Vinny Patel was charged with promoting prostitution, and Kenny Patel was charged with aggravated battery. The battery charge stemmed from female guests complaining that Kenny Patel inappropriately touched them.

Braidwood Police Chief Nick Ficarello said Vinny Patel allegedly was allowing prostitution to occur at the hotel.

Vinny Patel is the owner of Sun Motel, located at 140 S. Hickory St., Braidwood. Kenny Patel is the hotel manager. Both men have been in the Will County jail since 4 p.m. Thursday.

Braidwood police said the hotel “became a target of an undercover police operation and surveillance.”

“Braidwood police had received numerous complaints from Braidwood citizens and highway travelers patronizing the motel about the alleged criminal activities at the motel,” police said.

Joliet Junior College police assisted Braidwood police in the undercover investigation, according to the release.

Ficarello said JJC provided additional police personnel to “pose as ‘Johns’ and prostitutes” during the investigation.