Two hotels in Hinesville named in sex trafficking suits

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WSAV) – Two hotels in Liberty County are being accused of ignoring sex and human traffickers using their rooms.

The publication, The Current reports that two civil suits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia on Oct. 23 and Nov. 13 against the Baymont by Wyndham Hinesville located on 773 Veterans Hwy., and the Motel 6 Hinesville, located on 213 General Screven Way.

The case against the Baymont by Wyndham alleges its staff knew a 16-year-old girl was being held against her will by sex traffickers in June 2015, The Current reports.

The traffickers, who were reportedly armed with guns, allegedly kept the teen drugged up and "continually sold" her "as a sex slave to buyers at the Baymont," using the hotel's wi-fi to advertise the girl was available.

The suit against the Motel 6 alleges an 18- to 19-year-old girl was repeatedly trafficked for sex at the motel, forced into prostitution, beat almost daily, raped, drugged, and "continually sold as a sex slave to buyers at the motel.

SPD investigating shooting that left 2 wounded

Hotel payments in cash, young women who never leave the room, multiple requests daily for towels and linens and rooms filled with used condoms is the evidence that an Atlanta attorney says should have alerted the two hotel owners that their properties were places where sex traffickers allegedly coerced teenagers into prostitution, The Current reports.

The hotel owners reportedly deny any knowledge of the allegations and the plaintiffs who have provided evidence against both the alleged traffickers and the hotels where they were held captive are reportedly asking the court to protect their identities for fear of retaliation.

If you or anyone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "help" to 233733 (BEFREE). The Children's Advocacy Centers of Georgia is also available by calling 1-866-363-4842.