A woman identified as Jane AB Doe has filed a lawsuit against several hotel chains, alleging that she was a victim of sex trafficking at their properties when she was just 13 years old. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claims that Doe was forced into sexual servitude after fleeing from child protective services in Dallas, Texas. Within days of her escape, she encountered a pimp who allegedly threatened her with a gun and coerced her into performing sex acts at various hotel locations in Los Angeles and Texas.
According to the legal documents, Doe endured nearly 1,000 rapes across eight hotels affiliated with Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, and Wyndham Hotel Group between 2012 and 2014. Specific locations mentioned in the lawsuit include a Motel 6 in Westlake, near MacArthur Park, and another in Gardena, both known for their low ratings and high crime rates.
The lawsuit alleges that hotel employees were aware of the trafficking occurring on their premises and, in some instances, actively facilitated the abuse. It claims that hotel staff not only witnessed the trafficking but sometimes ignored clear signs of abuse, such as visible injuries and inappropriate clothing for the weather. The suit describes a disturbing environment where hotel employees allegedly assisted traffickers by providing specific room requests and instructions on how to avoid detection.
Doe’s attorneys argue that the hotel chains are liable under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which allows survivors to sue anyone benefiting from an enterprise that enables trafficking. They seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, emphasizing that the hotel chains profit from the presence of sex traffickers in their establishments.
This lawsuit is part of a broader trend, with numerous similar cases being filed against hotel companies across the country. Many plaintiffs contend that these corporations bear greater responsibility than individual franchisees due to their control over policies and operations. The legal action highlights the ongoing issue of sex trafficking in hotels, a problem identified by Homeland Security Investigations as a prevalent site for such crimes.
Despite the serious allegations, Red Roof Inn has stated it cannot comment on the lawsuit as it has not yet been served. The other defendants have not responded to requests for comment.
The lawsuit points to a growing awareness within the hotel industry regarding human trafficking, with initiatives like the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s "No Room for Trafficking" campaign aimed at educating staff on prevention. However, the legal documents argue that the failure of these chains to adequately monitor and address trafficking is evidence of their complicity.
Jane AB Doe’s harrowing experience underscores the vulnerability of minors in the face of human trafficking and raises critical questions about the responsibilities of businesses in preventing such exploitation. As the legal proceedings unfold, advocates hope to shed light on the systemic issues that allow trafficking to persist in commercial spaces.