Rimon Salim, Antuan Rhodes, and Jorge Luis are facing charges for their roles in alleged drug-related crimes at two nightclubs in Antioch, Tennessee. Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Robert E. McGuire, announced their arrests and the criminal charges against them.
"The extraordinary number of calls from citizens to police about these establishments justifies law enforcement efforts to hold these individuals accountable for their criminal activity," McGuire stated. He added that nightclubs facilitating illegal activity are detrimental to the city and vowed efforts to address the issue.
Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office highlighted the cooperation among various agencies in tackling the drug trafficking operation. "This operation exemplifies the effectiveness of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies who have united to combat a drug trafficking operation," Carrico said, emphasizing the FBI's commitment to keeping illegal drugs off the streets.
Court documents reveal Salim's ownership and operation of Miami Club and Paisanos bar and billar. Paisanos functions as a nightclub from 6:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., and Miami Club follows as an "after-party nightclub" until 7:00 a.m. Between 2020 and 2024, over 400 service calls were recorded from these clubs, with issues ranging from fights to gun-related incidents.
Law enforcement began an investigation into drug trafficking within these clubs approximately 18 months ago. Undercover operations and informants discovered drug sales conducted inside. Notably, Jorge Luis was implicated in cocaine sales to informants in Paisanos’ bathroom, while Salim and Rhodes were involved in selling methamphetamine and cocaine at Miami Club between August 2024 and March 2025.
Salim faces charges of maintaining a drug-involved premises and distributing controlled substances, carrying potential penalties of up to life imprisonment and hefty fines. Luis and Rhodes are charged with distributing controlled substances, each facing up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI, ATF, DEA, Homeland Security, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed Safeeullah is handling the prosecution.
These proceedings are part of Operation Take Back America, a broad Department of Justice initiative aimed at eliminating illegal immigration, cartels, and transnational criminal organizations.
The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
