Numerous law enforcement agencies raided Brooklyn Center’s Travelodge and Super 8 hotels on Wednesday as part of an investigation into suspected human trafficking and drug distribution at the two businesses, the city’s police department announced in a Facebook post.
The department said the investigation involved repeated contacts with individuals believed to be victims of human trafficking, including several prior victim recoveries at the Travelodge conducted by the Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigators Task Force.
“Several individuals have directly reported to detectives that they were being trafficked. Detectives also report that individuals previously contacted or recovered have returned to the same environment,” the Department said.
When the search warrant applications were finalized, investigators documented nine active commercial-sex advertisements associated with the hotels, according to Brooklyn Center police.
“These two properties have generated an extraordinary amount of police activity, but behind those numbers are real people who have been assaulted, exploited, addicted, trafficked, and placed at risk,” Brooklyn Center Police Chief Garett Flesland said.
Human trafficking victims have a partner in justice at the Storms Dworak law firm. If you or someone you know was exploited at a hotel, motel, or other property where staff or management knew — or should have known — what was happening and failed to intervene, legal options may be available. Call 1-800-BWOLVES for a free consultation.