Federal agents raided all Colt Grille restaurants in Arizona, including the popular Prescott location on Whiskey Row, following serious allegations of money laundering, labor exploitation, and human smuggling.
The coordinated July 15 raid, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), also involved the IRS, Department of Labor, and local law enforcement. Agents executed 28 federal search warrants and four arrest warrants across locations in Prescott, Cottonwood, Prescott Valley, and Sedona.
So far:
-
4 individuals face charges related to money laundering
-
Over 20 others were taken into custody on immigration-related violations
The entire chain remains shut down as the ongoing investigation unfolds. Authorities warn additional arrests and charges are possible.
Local residents, especially in Prescott, were shocked by the sudden closure of the well-known Western-style barbecue restaurant. The future of Colt Grille now hangs in the balance as federal and local agencies dig deeper into what they describe as a complex criminal network involving both financial and human exploitation.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
Leave a Reply