Sex Trafficking Victim Files Groundbreaking Civil Suit

HOUSTON, TX — An 18-year old woman who was a victim of human and sex trafficking as a young girl, is suing several prominent truck stops, hotel chains and illicit websites alleging they all knew about and willfully profited from human trafficking.

According to court documents, the victim who identified as Jane Doe #1, was lured into the sex trade when she was just 15-years old by a man through the Backpage.com, who set up meetings through the illicit site with johns at hotels and truckstops.

The civil lawsuit was filed as a result of legislation that added Chapter 98 to the state’s civil practice and remedies code, establishing civil liability for those businesses that knowingly profit from participating in human trafficking.

Along with Backpage.com, Love’s Travel Stops, Hyatt Hotels, and Pilot Travel Centers are also named in the lawsuit, which is seeking more than $1 million.

Houston has long been recognized by law enforcement officials as a major sex and human trafficking hub.

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