The arrests took place at the Hotel Riviera on Clinton Avenue early this morning, said Katherine Carter, the department’s spokeswoman. The outstanding warrants were issued for crimes ranging from traffic violations to drug charges.

The hotel was also the location of a double homicide last month. Adrian Price, 55, and Towanna Freeman, 42, were found dead in a hotel room after guests complained of a foul odor.

The killings are still under investigation, Carter said.

Bail for some of the defendants arrested today has been set at $5,000, Carter said.

"In addition to rounding up and removing fugitives, such operations can be beneficial in developing criminal intelligence," said Robert Laurino, acting Essex County prosecutor.

The defendants and their charges are: Windell Simmons, drugs; Damon Murdaugh, drugs; Jeffrey Jackson, traffic; Michael Wance, assault; Gerald Allen, assault; James Smith, theft; Eric Pate, theft; Rodney Bullock, traffic; Charles Norton, theft; James Edwards, traffic; John Davis Jr., traffic; Brian Taylor, theft; Ahmad Watson, burglary; Jason Rivers, traffic; Rufus Hughes, drugs; Carlos Mano, theft; John l. Williams, contempt court; Marvin Watkins, traffic; Deshawn Graham, drugs; William Blunt, drugs; Shirley Wright, theft; Annie Marius, burglary and traffic; Joann Morris, drugs; Mary Shoulders, drugs; Lakisha Good, burglary and traffic; Sandra Wilson, prostitution and theft;Kimberly James, theft; Kim Pickett, contempt court/theft.

Editor's Note: The name of the hotel where the arrests were made was misspelled. Its correct name is Hotel Riviera.