The Sedalia Police Department executed a criminal search warrant at American Inn, in Sedalia on Monday.

This led to the uncovering evidence of criminal activity.

Despite proactive ordinances enacted by the Sedalia City Council in 2021 to address nuisance properties, American Inn continued operations after a cease order on Dec. 21.

Detectives found four occupied rooms, one housing an unregistered sex offender.

Police are requesting charges on the owner, whom now faces charges for various violations.The charges include 15 counts of non-compliance with local codes (RSMO 315.0333), 15 counts of violation of licensing provisions (RSMO 315.-45), and eight counts of operating without a business license (Sedalia Municipal Ordinance 12-57). These charges follow the closure of American Inn by the Sedalia Police Department due to evidence of criminal activity and non-compliance

All tenants were evacuated, and American Inn is closed indefinitely. Sedalia Police Interim Chief David Woolery also highlighted the motel’s failure to pay Missouri sales tax.