Bar could shut down after dozens arrested in raid

COWETA COUNTY, Ga. — A bar owner says she is at risk to of losing her business after a raid led to dozens of arrests.

More than two dozen people were arrested at Hoops Bar and Grill in Coweta County last month.

Authorities said the business had been under surveillance for months. Inside, deputies said they found drugs and arrested dozens of people for probation violations.

The arrests happened during a prison release party.

“I was over here performing. They were having a welcome home party for me,” Mondel Whitaker said.

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The bar may now lose its business and liquor licenses. The county held a hearing Thursday and will make a decision early next week.

The owner said business has slowed down because deputies scared off patrons.

"When I came into this business, it wasn't just to stay in business for a year. It was something I had dreamed about. It was something I worked hard for and it was something I intended on keeping," owner Jasmine Arnold said.

Arnold believes her bar has been targeted by the county because of her customers.

“I’m an African-American bar owner and 99 percent of my patrons are African-American as well,” she said.

Channel 2's Chris Jose spoke to the sheriff, who said the people his deputy arrested are "thugs" and they will continue to arrest people who are committing crimes.

Cox Media Group