Image sources: Lennie Perry, courtesy of the Illinois Department of Corrections, via WICS Newschannel 20.
More than a year has passed since Lennie Perry was sentenced to 40 years in prison for trafficking children.
A prison sentence for a trafficker is an important step toward justice and is intended to prevent further harm. It concludes the criminal prosecution, but it does not undo the damage done to survivors or evaluate whether hotels or other businesses may have enabled trafficking by ignoring warning signs or failing to intervene. That is why this case still matters today.
Many survivors do not come forward immediately. Trauma, fear, and shame can delay disclosure for years, and some may only now be learning that what they experienced was trafficking or that civil legal options may still be available, even after a conviction.
The Case of Lennie Perry
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois, Lennie Perry trafficked at least seven minors younger than 18, including one child who was under 14 years old at the time of the abuse.
“Perry used websites such as Backpage and Facebook to advertise commercial sex acts and recruit the young victims to work for him.” (Justice.gov)
Perry also sexually abused his victims before trafficking them to others. According to the Attorney’s office, Perry trafficked the children in hotels and residences in Illinois, Minnesota, and Mississippi. Six of the victims testified against him at trial.
“In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang…ordered Perry to pay $523,600 in restitution to his victims.” (Justice.gov)
“‘Defendant’s actions have created a trauma for the victims that is impossible to truly understand,’” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Mulaney.
Support and Resources
If you were a victim of trafficking by Lennie Perry or anyone else, even if you do not know their name, 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
When Hotels Can Be Held Liable for Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking often occurs in hotels and other lodging facilities. Under civil law, hotels may be held liable when evidence shows they knew or should have known that trafficking was occurring on their property and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it.
Common warning signs of trafficking include repeated room rentals tied to the same individuals, heavy foot traffic, extended stays paid for in cash, or staff concerns that go unaddressed.
Civil cases focus on institutional failures, such as inadequate training, weak reporting protocols, or policies that prioritize profit over safety.
Holding hotels accountable through civil litigation can lead to stronger anti-trafficking policies, improved staff training, and safeguards that help prevent future harm.
These cases force hotels to confront when and where they failed and can also compel them to provide resources that support survivors’ physical and mental health recovery.
Legal Options for Survivors
Andreozzi + Foote is currently investigating reports related to Lennie Perry’s trafficking activity, including whether hotels may be held liable for the harm survivors endured.
These investigations are conducted with care and, most importantly, a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach.
If you were a victim of trafficking by Lennie Perry or anyone else, even if you do not know their name, you may still have the right to pursue civil claims against hotels or other entities that failed to protect you.
Our firm represents survivors of sexual abuse in Illinois and across the nation. We offer free, confidential consultations to help survivors understand their options and take the next steps toward justice. There is no obligation to move forward unless and until you are ready.
Contact us today.
