Sex trafficking represents one of the most severe human rights violations, targeting vulnerable individuals and subjecting them to exploitation. The recent arrest of a Baltimore woman charged with operating a sex trafficking ring highlights the urgent need for comprehensive legal measures to combat these crimes.
Jenner Law has stepped up to support survivors of sex trafficking, providing the legal advocacy necessary for them to reclaim their lives. The firm's commitment to justice is evident through its decisive legal actions against entities allegedly involved in such crimes.
On June 3, 2024, Jenner Law, along with a team of law firms, filed a lawsuit in the United District Court for the District of Maryland on behalf of Jane Doe (J.S.H.). The defendants in the case are Choice Hotels International Inc., Choice Hotels International Services Corp., and GP4 Property Owner LLC. The lawsuit claims that these entities played a role in facilitating sex trafficking at the Suburban Extended Stay Bay Meadows in Jacksonville, Florida, where Jane Doe was exploited from 2010 to 2016.
The lawsuit leverages federal laws, including Perpetrator Liability under 18 U.S.C §1595(a) and §1591(a), which allow Jane Doe to sue those who violated the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). The case also cites Beneficiary Liability, arguing that the defendants financially benefited from the trafficking and failed to address the clear signs of exploitation.
Jenner Law's efforts extend beyond individual cases to address the broader issue of commercial businesses' involvement in sex trafficking. The firm emphasizes that sex trafficking is not only perpetrated by criminals but also facilitated by businesses such as hotels, airlines, truck stops, and websites. By holding these entities accountable, Jenner Law aims to disrupt the systems that support and profit from human trafficking.
Additionally, Jenner Law supports the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force (MHTTF), an organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking through prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. The MHTTF works to raise awareness, provide victim services, prosecute traffickers, and foster collaborations to combat trafficking in Maryland.
Jenner Law also founded the Survivors Advisory Board, which focuses on representing survivors of sexual abuse. This board ensures that survivors have access to comprehensive legal services, helping them reclaim their lives and hold responsible parties accountable.
The actions taken by Jenner Law signal a significant push towards holding commercial entities accountable for their role in human trafficking. By addressing the complicity of businesses in these crimes, the firm aims to create a safer environment and ensure justice for survivors. This legal initiative could potentially lead to more stringent regulations and greater scrutiny on businesses, forcing them to take proactive measures against human trafficking.
