Pending lawsuits by sex trafficking victims against hotel chains could be consolidated in federal court in Columbus.
Four cases in Ohio and in 12 other district courts allege hotel staff turned a blind eye to obvious signs of criminal activity, in one case, ignoring a woman tied to a bed and begging for help. Attorneys for several of the victims have asked the cases against Hilton, Marriot, Best Western, Red Roof Inns and other companies be consolidated and heard in Columbus, where several civil cases are already being heard. A panel of judges will consider the consolidation motion in January.
