Image sources: Trafficker Roosevelt Glee, courtesy of WOKV. Google Maps image of the former Super 8 Motel at 5018 University Boulevard West in Jacksonville, Florida, 2016, before the property became SureStay by Best Western.
Andreozzi + Foote has filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on behalf of a trafficking survivor, alleging that Super 8 by Wyndham and its Jacksonville motel failed to prevent sex trafficking at their property.
The complaint was filed under the TVPRA (Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act), and seeks to hold Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc., doing business as Super 8 by Wyndham; Super 8 Worldwide, Inc.; and Miraj III LLC, doing business as Super 8 Motel, accountable for allegedly profiting from a trafficking venture.
Roosevelt Glee, Prosecuted for Trafficking
According to the complaint, the victim was trafficked in 2016 by Roosevelt Glee, who was later arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted on human-trafficking charges.
Glee exploited the victim named in the complaint across multiple locations in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. He allegedly led a cult-like group that he used to recruit her before forcing her into trafficking.
Glee would force the victim to comply through physical violence, drugs, extortion, and religious coercion.
A Desperate Plea for Help Ignored
The complaint recounts that the victim was sex trafficked in 2016 at the Super 8 motel located at 5018 University Boulevard West in Jacksonville, Florida, now operating as SureStay by Best Western.
During one incident, the victim’s hotel room door was left open, giving her a brief chance to escape. She encountered a room attendant in the hall and proceeded to act in a way that indicated she needed help. She then ran to the hotel lobby to bring attention to herself by screaming and throwing objects around in an attempt to seek help.
The filing does not indicate that anyone intervened.
Allegations of a Known Trafficking Site
The lawsuit alleges that sex trafficking occurred at the same Jacksonville motel even before the victim’s exploitation, meaning the defendants knew or should have known their property was being used for trafficking. Despite national awareness initiatives, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign and ECPAT-USA’s Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct, the motel allegedly failed to properly train staff, respond to suspicious activity, or enforce anti-trafficking measures.
The complaint further asserts that hotel staff ignored obvious red flags, including constant foot traffic to the same rooms, drug paraphernalia and other suspicious items in plain sight of housekeeping staff, and visible signs of control and abuse. Despite these indicators, the lawsuit claims the motel failed to act, allowing the trafficking to continue on the property.
Accountability for Corporate Negligence
Hotels that turn a blind eye to exploitation allow traffickers to operate freely. Survivors deserve accountability from every business that profited while they were being abused.
Hotels have both the ability and obligation to prevent trafficking through proper staff training, security oversight, and prompt reporting of suspicious conduct.
Justice Beyond the Criminal Prosecution
While the criminal justice system has already prosecuted Roosevelt Glee, this lawsuit seeks to hold accountable the organizations that benefited from his crimes.
Civil litigation gives survivors a path to seek justice and compensation for therapy, medical care, and long-term recovery, while also driving corporations to confront their role in enabling exploitation and adopt stronger protections to prevent future harm.
Support and Resources
If you were a victim of human trafficking, please contact law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Your voice matters, and reaching out is an important step toward safety and healing.
National Human Trafficking Hotline:
📞 1-888-373-7888 (24/7, confidential)
📱 Text “BEFREE” (233733)
🌐 humantraffickinghotline.org
Can I File a Lawsuit Against a Hotel?
If you were a victim of trafficking and want to understand your legal rights, Andreozzi + Foote offers confidential consultations for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual abuse.
Our attorneys have extensive experience fighting for justice against negligent institutions like motels and hotels. We recognize how difficult it can be to come forward, and we handle every case with the utmost compassion, discretion, and care.
Whether you are ready to pursue a lawsuit or simply want to learn more about your options, we are here to listen and help you move forward on your terms.
Contact us today.
