Predators Running Child Sex Trafficking Ring in Columbia, SC Face Life in Prison

Sex trafficking survivors can also seek justice through the civil courts

Four alleged child predators are facing multiple charges in federal court for running a sex trafficking ring in Columbia, South Carolina. Per the indictment, the Post and Courier reports, at least three children were victims of this ring, and one may have been transported across state lines.

Sex trafficking of minors happens in South Carolina. It happens throughout the country. It is horrifying in every sense of the word – but survivors have legal recourse. Not only can you see justice in the criminal courts, but also in civil court. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC is committed to representing victims of trafficking or sexual abuse. Call us now.

If you see a child in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If you suspect sex trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

How our South Carolina childhood sex abuse attorneys help trafficking survivors

In South Carolina, sex trafficking victims can seek damages through the civil court system. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips’ attorneys practice in both state and federal court, and can help survivors file lawsuits against any and all liable parties. This includes not only the predators, but those who enabled their criminal behavior. We advocate for individuals and families who have suffered irreparable harm. We have female or male attorneys who can represent you or your child, and we can schedule phone or video consultations, if that helps everyone feel safer.

Our attorneys stand ready to fight for sex trafficking victims of all ages throughout South Carolina. McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips has the resources and experience to handle complex sex trafficking cases where multiple parties may be liable. We have represented sex trafficking victims in lawsuits against hotels which allowed this abhorrent act to occur.

Who is liable for sex trafficking in South Carolina?

Per the Post and Courier, the children were sex trafficked at the HomeTowne Studios & Suites hotel in Columbia. (The hotel, now closed, is part of the Red Roof Inn chain. HomeTowne Studios hotels were designed for long-term accommodation, or “extended stay.”) If the owner of this particular franchise hotel was aware that children were being sex trafficked in the hotel, then the owner could be held liable in civil court. So, too, could any employees who may have known about the sex trafficking ring and turned a blind eye, a contracted security or management company which failed to keep the property safe and free from criminal activity, and other potential third parties.

Hotels and motels can be held liable for sex trafficking through a negligent security lawsuit. A type of premises liability claim, negligent security lawsuits hold hotel owners and operators accountable when their security measures are inadequate. These types of lawsuits are typically filed by victims of assault of violence.

In some cases, hotels or motels could also be sued for breach of contract. A hotel which purports to be safe, but knowingly allows criminal activity to occur on its properties or in its rooms, may be liable to victims of those criminal acts.

Red Roof’s history of sex trafficking allegations

Over the past few years, there have been several lawsuits filed against Red Roof Inns and Red Roof Franchising, LLC, as well as individual owners of franchised hotels, alleging sex trafficking. These lawsuits have been filed in multiple states, including in Ohio, where Red Roof is headquartered. The most recent case, filed in Georgia, was settled in November 2023, and dozens more were in the process of being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) as of January 24.

What were the charges against the alleged sex traffickers?

Per the Post and Courier, “A federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment charging four people allegedly tied to the sex trafficking conspiracy. Those charges include human trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor, interstate travel to promote illegal sexual activity, interstate transportation of a minor for illegal sexual activity, coercion and enticement of a minor, and witness tampering. The four defendants – two women and two men – face life in prison if convicted.

The Post and Courier reports that “the alleged conspirators would recruit vulnerable victims, including teenagers who were runaways. The teens were given lingerie and other sexually suggestive clothing. Photos of the teens were posted online, advertising the minors for commercial sex.”

ACT NOW: McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips fights for sex trafficking survivors

Sex trafficking is a national scourge, and McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC wants to help you take back control. Our attorneys in South Carolina advocate for sex trafficking survivors. If you or your child was a victim of sexual abuse, you are not alone: we are here to help.

Call 803-327-7800

NO COST, NO OBLIGATION EVALUATION FOR YOUR CASE

Randall Hood, Attorney
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC – 1539 Health Care Drive Rock Hill, SC 29732