A Washington woman is suing Motel 6 and several related companies, alleging she was trafficked for sex as a minor at two SeaTac motel locations while employees and management ignored glaring warning signs
The lawsuit, filed Monday in Seattle federal court, names multiple G6 Hospitality entities connected to Motel 6, along with SeaTac Hotels, LLC and motel operator Jarnail Singh. The plaintiff, identified only as “Jane Doe,” alleges she was trafficked at two Motel 6 locations in Seatac in 2014 when she was 16 and 17 years old.
The complaint alleges Doe “endured sex trafficking” at the motels and was subjected to “repeated daily rape, verbal and physical attacks, humiliation, fear, and psychological manipulation and degradation.”
The lawsuit claims the hotels became “hubs” for trafficking activity and that Motel 6 operators knowingly allowed it to continue because it generated revenue through constant room rentals. Attorneys for Doe allege the defendants “continued supporting traffickers” despite “evident and apparent signs” that minors were being trafficked on the properties.
Among the more serious allegations in the complaint are claims that:
- security guards at the 47th Ave locations were allegedly told not to contact police,
- motel doors were allegedly left unsecured despite requests from law enforcement,
- and traffickers were allegedly given rooms with “easy private access in the back of the property.”
The lawsuit also claims Seattle-area law enforcement warned Motel 6 operators about trafficking activity and suggested changes aimed at preventing exploitation, but those recommendations allegedly were ignored.
At one point, the complaint alleges a former live-in manager estimated “up to 90%” of business at some Motel 6 locations was tied to trafficking activity.
“Corporate did nothing to prevent or stop it,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit cites federal reports, anti-trafficking organizations, and Department of Homeland Security guidance detailing warning signs hotel staff are trained to identify — including cash room payments, excessive foot traffic to rooms, minors accompanied by older men, refusal of housekeeping services, and frequent requests for towels or linens.
The complaint alleges Motel 6 operators either ignored or failed to act on those warning signs despite extensive industry awareness and available training resources.
The lawsuit was filed under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which allows trafficking survivors to pursue civil claims against businesses that allegedly benefit financially from trafficking ventures.
Doe is seeking damages exceeding $1 million and has requested a jury trial.
The case is one of a growing number of lawsuits nationwide targeting hotel chains over allegations they failed to stop or actively enabled sex trafficking activity at their properties.
Puget Press has reached out to G6 Hospitality and Motel 6 for comment.
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