A 33 year old Baltimore woman is facing 135 charges for allegedly running a sex-trafficking ring that exploited vulnerable women over nearly two years. The operation, known as “The Pussy Kat Klub,” manipulated women into owing a “drug debt,” forcing them into commercial sex acts to pay it off. The woman and her co-conspirators advertised these women online, generating nearly $40,000. The investigation began after a victim sought medical help, leading to the woman’s arrest in January.
The news of this trafficking sex crime here in Maryland is a shocking wake-up call to the evils and proliferation of human trafficking.
The Evils of Sex Trafficking and Our Commitment to Survivors
Sex trafficking is a terrible crime that preys on the most vulnerable, taking away their freedom and dignity. Victims often find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt, addiction, and exploitation, with little hope of escape.
Human trafficking is a $150 billion a year industry, with $99 billion coming from sexual exploitation. Without the help of legitimate businesses to move and hide victims, traffickers would have a much harder time running their operations.
According to the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force (MHTTF), trafficking is a global crisis affecting millions each year. It’s estimated that between 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders annually, with some estimates reaching as high as 27 million worldwide. The human trafficking industry earns an astonishing $150.2 billion per year, with $99 billion generated from sex trafficking and $51.2 billion from labor trafficking. Shockingly, human trafficking has become the second-highest grossing criminal enterprise. Within the United States, 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked annually, with an estimated 200,000 individuals trafficked within the country each year. Vulnerable populations, including an estimated 244,000 American children, are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation, with the average age of victims between 12 and 14 years old. These statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and actions to combat this pervasive issue.
Our law firm, founders of the Survivors Advisory Board, is dedicated to helping survivors of sex trafficking reclaim their lives. We provide comprehensive legal support, including representation, advocacy for victims’ rights, and assistance in securing necessary resources for recovery. By standing with survivors, we aim to bring justice to those responsible and help victims rebuild their futures.
Our Recent Legal Action
Just yesterday, on June 3, 2024, our firm filed a lawsuit with a team of other law firms on behalf of Jane Doe (J.S.H.) in the United District Court for District of Maryland against Choice Hotels International Inc., Choice Hotels International Services Corp., and GP4 Property Owner LLC. This civil lawsuit seeks compensation for the harm Jane Doe suffered due to sex trafficking facilitated by these defendants at a hotel they owned and operated. The complaint alleges that the defendants knowingly benefited from and facilitated the trafficking activities, failing to take action despite obvious signs of exploitation.
Specifically, the lawsuit claims that Jane Doe (J.S.H.) was trafficked continuously from 2010 to 2016, with specific instances occurring at the Suburban Extended Stay Bay Meadows in Jacksonville, Florida, between June and October 2014. During this time, traffickers exploited her in rooms rented from the defendants. Despite clear signs of trafficking, such as frequent cash payments for rooms, high foot traffic, and visible signs of abuse and control, the hotel staff and management failed to intervene or report the activities. The lawsuit argues that the defendants’ negligence and willful blindness directly contributed to Jane Doe’s ongoing exploitation, making them complicit in the trafficking operation. This legal action seeks to hold these businesses accountable and ensure justice for the survivor.
Our lawsuit against the defendants rests on key legal principles that underscore their liability in the trafficking of Jane Doe (J.S.H.).
First, under Perpetrator Liability as per 18 U.S.C §1595(a) and §1591(a), Jane Doe (J.S.H.) is identified as a victim of sex trafficking. This classification allows her to pursue civil action against those who directly violated the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). Specifically, the defendants are considered perpetrators because they violated §1591(a)(1) by knowingly harboring individuals to coerce them into commercial sex acts and §1591(a)(2) by financially benefiting from supporting the trafficking venture. These actions resulted in significant physical and psychological harm to Jane Doe.
Second, the case involves Beneficiary Liability under 18 U.S.C §1595(a). Here, the lawsuit argues that the defendants financially benefited from their involvement with traffickers, including those who exploited Jane Doe, despite being aware or should have been aware of the trafficking activities. The franchisor defendants received financial gains through the operations of their franchisees, which were complicit in violating §1591(a). Consequently, these actions inflicted substantial harm on Jane Doe (J.S.H.).
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) Explained
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), codified at 18 U.S.C. §1591, criminalizes sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Under this statute, it is unlawful to knowingly recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain a person for the purpose of commercial sex acts through means of force, fraud, or coercion. The statute also criminalizes benefiting, financially or otherwise, from participating in a venture engaged in such acts, knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, fraud, or coercion will be used.
Section 1595(a) of the TVPA provides victims of trafficking with a civil remedy, allowing them to sue their traffickers and those who benefit from trafficking activities. Under this provision, victims can file civil lawsuits against any individual or entity that knowingly benefits from participating in a trafficking venture, provided they knew or should have known that the venture involved trafficking crimes. This section broadens the scope of liability beyond the direct perpetrators to include those who indirectly support or facilitate trafficking, thus providing a crucial tool for victims seeking justice and compensation.
The Broader Context: Commercial Businesses and Human Trafficking
Sex trafficking isn’t just carried out by common criminals. Many businesses like hotels, airlines, truck stops, and websites are also making huge amounts of money by helping and promoting this modern-day slavery. These businesses have ignored their responsibility for too long and have gotten away with it.
Victims of human trafficking are often moved using planes, buses, trucks, taxis, and trains. Traffickers prefer to use hotels and motels to exploit victims because they provide a convenient location for these activities. Hotels are one of the most common places for sexual exploitation, second only to brothels.
Hotels play a particularly significant role in the facilitation of sex trafficking. Traffickers prefer using hotels and motels because they provide a convenient and often anonymous setting for their illegal activities. Hotels offer the privacy needed to exploit victims while also making it easy for traffickers to move them from one location to another, reducing the risk of detection. Furthermore, many hotels turn a blind eye to the signs of trafficking, such as frequent room changes, cash payments, and high foot traffic. By failing to train their staff to recognize and report these red flags, hotels indirectly support trafficking operations. This negligence not only makes hotels hotspots for trafficking but also allows them to profit from the continued exploitation of victims. As a result, holding hotels accountable is crucial in the fight against human trafficking, as it disrupts the infrastructure that traffickers rely on to continue their crimes.
Our law firm investigates cases on behalf of survivors of human trafficking who were sexually exploited at places like hotels and truck stops, and also on certain websites. Traffickers often use online classified ads to recruit and advertise victims for sex trafficking.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
But Now, Things Are Changing: The Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force
The Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force (MHTTF) is the primary organization in Maryland dedicated to combating human trafficking through prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. The MHTTF works to prevent trafficking by raising awareness and educating the public, protecting victims by providing comprehensive services, prosecuting traffickers through coordinated law enforcement efforts, and partnering with various organizations to strengthen their mission.
The Task Force includes law enforcement agencies, government entities, non-profits, and community organizations. It offers training and events to engage the public in combating human trafficking, aiming to create a united front to eradicate this issue from Maryland communities. They also provide resources and support for victims, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance to recover and rebuild their lives. The MHTTF’s comprehensive approach ensures a well-rounded and effective strategy against human trafficking in Maryland.
Representing survivors of trafficking gives us a unique chance to make a difference and create a safer future for everyone. By sharing their stories, survivors of human trafficking save lives. Your courage to come forward and hold businesses accountable is our best weapon against human trafficking. Join us in the fight against human trafficking. Contact us to share your story and help save a life.
Every Citizen Should be Vigilant
Ordinary citizens play a crucial role in combating human sex trafficking. Be vigilant and watch for signs such as individuals showing signs of physical abuse, fear, anxiety, or submissiveness. Look for people who seem controlled, are not allowed to speak for themselves, or have very little personal freedom. Notice if they have few personal belongings, appear malnourished, or are dressed inappropriately for their age or weather. Vigilance is especially warranted in places like hotels, airports, bus stations, and truck stops, where trafficking activity is often concentrated. If you notice suspicious activity, report it to local authorities or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Educate yourself and others about trafficking, support anti-trafficking organizations, volunteer for local advocacy groups, and advocate for stronger laws to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking.
Three of our staff members, attorneys Katie Kerner, Elisha Hawk and paralegal Mary Beth Diaz, have received intensive trauma training at Baltimore’s Center for Hope, a dedicated organization committed to training professionals, youth-serving organizations, caregivers, and community members in trauma-informed approaches. Through its comprehensive training programs, the Center empowers participants with the tools and insights needed to support and safeguard individuals in need. Recognizing the profound implications of trauma on their clients’ well-being, our firm took proactive steps to ensure that our legal team was equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Through our efforts, we strive to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of sex trafficking and contribute to a society where no one is exploited for their vulnerability. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to our dedicated team for support. Together, we can make a difference.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form