ATLANTA — A suspect accused in a luxury auto theft ring targeting vehicles at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is back in jail facing charges tied to what police say was an illegal bar operation in southwest Atlanta.
Atlanta police say 28-year-old Sharell Reed and her mother, 45-year-old Shatara Churn, were arrested after investigators uncovered an unlicensed business operating under the name “Rell’s Room” in the city’s Cascade Heights neighborhood.
On social media, “Rell’s Room” was marketed as “Atlanta’s newest obsession,” promising food, hookah and VIP experiences. But investigators say the business was operating without a valid license and selling alcohol illegally, Channel 2’s Michael Seiden learned on Channel 2 Action News at 5:00 p.m.
Police say concerned neighbors and nearby business owners began filing complaints last September, reporting late-night parties and unlicensed alcohol sales. Authorities say the operation continued even after a business license was denied.
Body camera footage from March 29 shows officers moving in and taking Reed and Churn into custody.
Police say officers later searched the property and recovered 120 bottles of alcohol, which were collected as evidence.
Investigators say Reed was already out on bond at the time of the arrest after being charged in connection with a string of auto thefts at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Officers previously arrested Reed in March in connection to the theft cases. Body camera footage from that arrest shows officers ordering her to surrender.
Jail records show Reed was arrested March 11, posted bond, and was back in custody Tuesday night. She is now facing multiple felony theft charges in addition to the new charges tied to the alleged illegal bar operation.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
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