Safety and Code Violations

Two men are in custody following an inspection at the Centre Motel on West Main Street. Authorities arrested Balubhai Patel of Rome, Georgia and Tracey Delevie of Centre. According to Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver, the two men were taken into custody for allowing the Centre Motel to operate under poor conditions and for allowing people to live in a dangerous environment. The sheriff says his office worked with the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office to conduct a fire code and life safety inspection at the motel earlier this week.

State Fire Marshal Ray Cumby cited 34 major violations that he says were found during the inspection. A detailed report was submitted to State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk to issue a closure order for the motel. Sheriff Shaver also stated that he's received numerous complaints from residents about possible illegal activities taking place at the motel.