GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WTVB) – The operator of the Super 8 Motel in Coldwater and the Rodeway Inn in Battle Creek faces up to five years in prison after entering a guilty plea to charges he forced his employees to work for less than the minimum wage.
When federal officials found out about it three years ago, they ordered Mehul Patel, who is also known as Mike Patel, to make restitution or face criminal charges.
He cut the checks for back pay, but the indictment claims he forced those employees to give the money right back to him.
Patel has also been investigated for allegedly allowing prostitutes to operate out of the two facilities and other crimes.
Although the maximum sentence is five years, federal Judge Paul Maloney will have flexibility. The plea deal says there’s no agreement on sentencing guidelines.
