MOUNT VERNON — The Curtis Inn was shut down indefinitely this morning and manager James Rhinebolt was arrested on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of operating a hotel without a license.
The charge and arrest warrant were filed this morning in Mount Vernon Municipal Court.
According to the Ohio Revised Code, no one is permitted to “advertise, conduct, maintain or operate” a hotel without a license.
“It has to be closed; it cannot be occupied,” City Law Director Chip McConville told the News this morning.
Hotel licenses expire Dec. 31 of each year. According to the Division of State Fire Marshal, a renewal notice is sent out each October. A completed application, along with a fee ($110 up to 110 rooms and $1 each room above that) is required prior to the Dec. 31 expiration date.
Members of the city fire and police departments, as well as members of the Emergency Services Unit, went door to door informing residents the hotel was being shut down. Every room was checked for inhabitants.
More than six rooms were believed to be occupied but a definite number was unavailable.
“We have a handful of people I would describe as victims of circumstance,” Menapace said. He has been working with Interchurch to secure funding and lodging for those who were displaced this morning.
MVPD Capt. George Hartz said the residents were given an hour to remove their possessions from their room. Knox Area Transit arrived to take the residents to Interchurch Social Services for housing assistance.
Hotel owner Sucha Singh filed for bankruptcy in November 2012. Court documents show Singh lists the Curtis Inn, along with a second hotel in Hebron, as assets valued at $473,672. He lists liabilities of $1,192,551.
Amit Bansal, a co-partner of the property, told the News this morning the bankruptcy would not affect the operation of the hotel. As far as the closure this morning, Bansal said he was unaware the hotel was operating without a license.
The News was unable to reach Singh for comment.
News staff reporters Chuck Martin and Rhonda Bletner contributed to this story.
Related
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Curtis Inn’s hotel license issued in error March 5, 2013
Curtis Inn a home for out-of-town man February 15, 2013
Curtis fails inspection; trespasser arrested February 15, 2013
Curtis fails inspection, remains closed February 14, 2013
Thefts reported at Curtis Inn February 14, 2013
Curtis license renewed; no opening set February 12, 2013
Drug paraphernalia found in room at Curtis February 9, 2013
Curtis Inn shut down; manager arrested February 7, 2013
MOUNT VERNON — The Curtis Inn was shut down indefinitely this morning and manager James Rhinebolt was arrested on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of operating a hotel without a license.
Curtis Inn making progress; some rooms open December 4, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The restaurant, laundry and 10 rooms at the Curtis Inn have received the OK to reopen, the new general manager of the hotel announced Monday morning.
Curtis Inn making required progress November 27, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The laundry room at the Curtis Inn has been cleared to reopen, Mount Vernon Fire Chief Chris Menapace reported.
No court date set for Curtis Inn owners November 12, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — When the Mount Vernon Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office inspected the Curtis Inn, they compiled a list of 84 violations and ordered most of the facility closed down.
Properties declared public nuisances October 25, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The declaration of two properties to be public nuisances was approved when the Knox County Board of Health met Wednesday evening at the Knox County Health Department.
Curtis building evacuated October 25, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — Within about 24 hours of first being told the building they were living in was being closed because of fire code violations, families packed up their possessions and vacated their rooms in the eastern building of the Curtis Inn.
Failed inspection closes part of Curtis Inn October 24, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — Residents of the east portion of the Curtis Inn have been ordered to evacuate the facility by noon today because of sanitation and public health issues.
Eastern section of downtown hotel closed by fire officials October 23, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The eastern section of the Curtis Inn is being shut down by the Mount Vernon Fire Department and the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Henry’s at Curtis temporarily closed August 18, 2012
MOUNT VERNON — The doors were closed Friday morning at Henry’s at The Curtis Inn, a move made by Walter D’Sovza, manager of The Curtis Inn.
Henry’s renovating kitchen, bar facilities November 17, 2009
MOUNT VERNON — Henry’s at The Curtis Inn has closed in order to make renovations in its kitchen and bar facilities.
Henry’s closing upheld by health departmentf August 21, 2008
MOUNT VERNON — Health and sanitary violations discovered in an inspection Friday at Henry’s at The Curtis Inn have ordered for the restaurant to remain closed.
Singh pleads guilty to misdemeanor April 4, 2008
MOUNT VERNON — The owner of The Curtis Inn on the Square, originally charged with solicitation, pleaded guilty on March 11 to a reduced charge of persistent disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Contact Samantha Scoles
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