Sex Trafficking Survivor Files Lawsuit Against Red Roof Inns
On November 14, 2022, Benoit Law Firm, PLLC, joined by Levin Papantonio Rafferty (LPR), filed a lawsuit against Red Roof Inns and Red Roof Franchising, LLC, and other local hotel entities on behalf of a survivor of a severe form of sex trafficking. Allegations by “Jane Doe” include that she was sex trafficked, sexually exploited, and victimized by traffickers at a Red Roof Inn brand hotel, as well as several local hotels and motels, the Defendants.
Mike Papantonio and Kim Adams to Speak at London Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Symposium
Levin Papantonio Rafferty (LPR) Attorneys and Shareholders Mike Papantonio and Kim Adams will speak on a U.S. Panel about Sex Trafficking Claims at the Penningtons Manches Cooper’s Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Symposium, 2022. The event will take place Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Penningtons Manches Cooper, 125 Wood St., London, from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (GMT).
Courtroom Events Mark a Promising Week for Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Non-Consensual Videos/Images Posted on Web
The week that culminated with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons began with two legal wins—one win in a civil case against Visa and a second win in a criminal trial against GirlsDoPorn website operators—both signal accountability for sex trafficking claims, including claims based on non-consensual videos on the internet.
Court Denies MindGeek's Motion to Dismiss in a Case Involving Two Sex Trafficking Survivors
An Alabama federal judge has denied MindGeek’s Motion to Dismiss the complaint brought on behalf of two sex trafficking survivors (Case 7:21-cv-00220-LSC). Lawyers for the Plaintiffs are also seeking injunctive relief for the class members, which would put in place additional verification and protective measures on the website.
The Ethics and Roles of Hotels and Motels That Facilitate Sex Trafficking
A February 2022 study digs deep into the hospitality industry, uncovering disturbing trends and practices that mark how sex trafficking is happening right under our noses—all in the name of profit.
Discussions about sex trafficking typically conjure images of smarmy criminals running their rackets in seedy surroundings. In reality, modern traffickers count on corporate enablers—sometimes even business allies—to keep their operations running and profitable.
Florida Attacks Human Trafficking by Targeting Buyers and Businesses
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Floridians are giving far more than lip service to the occasion. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this movement? Florida is targeting sex buyers, as well as the businesses that enable these purchases.
Levin Papantonio Law Firm Helps Lead the Fight for Survivors of Human Trafficking
The Levin Papantonio law firm is part of a team of law firms heading up litigation to hold hotels and other businesses accountable for their role in facilitating human trafficking.
Although their first request to centralize the litigation was denied by the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPMDL), advocates for survivors continue to push ahead in various jurisdictions across the country fighting for the rights of women and children trafficked on hotel properties and by hotel brands allowing the abuse to continue for years.
Three Jurisdictions Rule Claims Against Hotel Industry Can Move Forward
There is good progress being made in regards to holding businesses accountable that profit from human trafficking. In December 2019, the first plaintiff to file against a hotel or motel for its role in a trafficking case settled with the Massachusetts motel where she was held captive. The survivor in this case told media the case was more about accountability because employees at the motel saw her in distress and did not help her.
JPML Says No to Consolidation of Human Trafficking Lawsuits
Twenty-one sex trafficking survivors who filed lawsuits against various hotels where they were victimized will not have their cases consolidated before a single court, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ruled last week.
Despite the fact that all of the cases share the same cause of action – namely, that the hotels failed to train their staff members on how to recognize and report suspected sex trafficking activity – the JPML ruled that the cases were too diverse to be consolidated.
Helping Victims of Child Sex Trafficking: Knowing the Signs and What to Do
If there is any silver lining to recent revelations involving billionaire Jeffery Epstein alleged recidivism (he entered a “not guilty” plea to recent charges this past week), it is that it has brought greater public attention to the ongoing tragedy of sex trafficking and slavery of minors.