Georgia Hotel Faces $40M Penalty for Ignoring 40-Day Abuse of 16-Year-Old Girl by Hundreds Of Men

A young woman, drugged, battered, and trafficked at a metro Atlanta hotel as a 16-year-old, has secured a $40 million verdict after five years of legal battles. The jury determined that United Inn & Suites in Decatur, Georgia, was liable for its role in the sex crimes occurring on its premises, marking a significant moment as it becomes the first hotel in Georgia judged civilly accountable under federal law against sex trafficking. Her attorneys assert this verdict is potentially the largest of its kind nationwide, signaling to hotels and insurance companies that they must adhere to the law or risk severe repercussions. The plaintiff, identified as “J.G.,” provided harrowing testimony about her exploitation in 2018, highlighting negligence by hotel staff who overlooked visible signs of trafficking. This case underscores the urgent need for vigilance and responsibility within the hospitality industry to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from such heinous crimes. (Photo: 11Alive screenshot)