After police were notified about the pending permit transfer application, they investigated the applicant, Paresh Patel. The investigation found that criminal charges were filed in November 2020 and remain pending in Columbus, Ga. against Patel. They include alleged violations of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a fourth-degree felony, evidence of winnings may not include firearms, alcohol or tobacco, a second-degree misdemeanor and keeping a gambling place, a third-degree misdemeanor.
Police said Paresh’s Ohio identification lists an address of 931 E. Second St. in Franklin, which is the address of another Sunoco gas station and not a residential address. He listed an address on the liquor permit transfer application as 45 Clearcreek Road, in Springboro, and a background search indicated that Paresh has not maintained an address in Ohio, only past addresses in New Jersey, Tennessee, Mississippi, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
Paresh declined to comment when contacted Tuesday.
Franklin City Council has previously issued objections to the renewal of liquor licenses in 2017-18 and 2018-19 for the New York, New York Cabaret after a March 2017 state investigation that resulted in two arrests and several citations against its liquor permit.
The Ohio Liquor Control Commission issued an order on Oct. 31, 2019 to deny renewing the liquor permits. That order was affirmed during an administrative appeal in Franklin County Common Pleas Court on April 6, 2020.
New York, New York closed its doors when Ohio’s Stay at Home Order was issued in mid-March. Owners opted to close the business due to not having a liquor license, according to attorney David Chicarelli.
Franklin also moved to dismiss the Sexually Oriented Business Permit Administrative Appeal with prejudice that was pending in Warren County Common Pleas Court at that time.
In other business, Franklin council reappointed Brent Centers as mayor and Todd Hall as vice mayor for 2021.
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