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Historic sex trafficking trial against Red Roof Inns begins

The case involves 11 survivors suing Red Roof Inns, Inc. and related corporate entities. The allegations span from 2009 until 2018.

Meleah Lyden, Cody Alcorn

WXIA

Published: 10:26 PM EDT June 6, 2024
Updated: 12:48 PM EDT June 7, 2024

A young teen ran away from home only to be trapped in a nightmare. She met an older man on her journey who started a romantic relationship with her.  

She had no bank account, no way of making a living, and no money of her own. 

So, she indicated that the man suggested she have sex for money. About a month in, the relationship took a turn. He was monitoring her cell phone and imposing a quota. He was also getting aggressive. She had to meet with 15 buyers in order to make between $1,200 and $1,500 a day. 

He also kept all the money. 

They frequented a hotel chain -- one in Smyrna and the other near Buckhead. She would walk around the property and see other teens dressed in revealing clothes. The hotel would always have plenty of towels and used condoms filled up trash cans. 

The account of this woman's experiences of being sex trafficked in metro Atlanta in 2014 comes from testimony in a federal court filing for the Northern District of Georgia. In total, there are 11 survivors suing Red Roof Inns, Inc. and a few related corporate entities -- accusing the corporation of having direct knowledge of prostitution and trafficking at select locations. 

The case involves two hotels: a Red Roof Inn in Smyrna off Windy Hill Road and the Red Roof PLUS+ Atlanta-Buckhead location at North Druid Hills and Buford Highway. The allegations date from 2009 until 2018.

Now, in 2024, a historic trial is set to occur in Atlanta next week as jury selection is anticipated for June 11. A year ago, 11Alive reported that days before another trial against the Red Roof Inn was supposed to occur, the company decided to settle. The plaintiffs were then awarded an undisclosed amount of money. 

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