Maintenance Man Turned Security Officer Assaulted at Sunset Motel

After the city of Rockford closed the Sunset Motel for alleged drugs and prostitution, management was forced into hiring a security force if they wanted to reopen. Sunset management got rid of a professional security service and now has the maintenance man doing the job. One of his first days on the job, Robert Ross was pistol wiped. "But I`m o.k.," says Ross, The employees of the business next door say they were often victims of the motel`s patrons. The owner says a motel patron intruded, broke his nose, and assaulted his daughter, Tiffany. "It surprises me they just let them take over security," says Tiffany Busse of Machinist Tool Company. "Because we were assured that they would have professionals there and they wouldn`t be allowed to have just anybody." The professional service she says was guaranteed was in place at first. City Attorney Jennifer Caccipalia says Sunset management came to her asking to get rid of the professional service. The city agreed after being told Ross had security training. Larry Hodges is with the security firm originally on the job. "All through this they have not wanted security on the property," says Hodges. They felt its an expense they couldn`t incur. We knew it was just a matter of time for this to happen." Despite continued concerns about Sunset`s safety, the maintenance man turned security officer will stay in place. "I will still be here," says Ross. "I`m not going anywhere." Rockford city officials will meet this week to decide if the Sunset will stay open.