Two Hinesville hotels, the Baymont by Wyndham and Motel 6, have been named in federal sex trafficking lawsuits. The suits allege that these establishments knowingly allowed traffickers to exploit their premises for illegal activities, failing to intervene despite evident signs of trafficking. The Baymont by Wyndham case involves a 16-year-old victim from 2015, while the Motel 6 case pertains to an 18-year-old victim trafficked between 2020 and 2021.

Both lawsuits claim that hotel staff observed indicators of trafficking, such as frequent requests for towels and sheets, the victims’ malnourished appearances, and a constant flow of male visitors, yet did not report these activities to authorities. The plaintiffs argue that the hotels benefited financially from the traffickers’ use of their facilities, making them complicit in the exploitation.

In response, local law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to combat human trafficking in the area. The Hinesville Police Department is collaborating with federal agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure accountability for those involved. These cases underscore the critical need for increased vigilance and stricter regulations within the hospitality industry to prevent such heinous crimes.