Andreozzi + Foote is investigating claims involving Mark Daniel Benavidez, also known as “Droopy.” He is a New Jersey man who was convicted in federal court for transporting women across state lines for purposes of prostitution.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Benavidez is serving 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to interstate transportation for prostitution. Federal authorities alleged that Benavidez recruited and transported vulnerable women from New Jersey to North Carolina. In addition, he profited from their commercial sexual exploitation.
Hotels and Motels Used by Mark Daniel Benavidez
Court records indicate that the trafficking activity occurred in multiple hotels throughout the Raleigh area, including:
- Super 8 on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, North Carolina;
- Extended Stay in Raleigh, North Carolina;
- Best Western on Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, North Carolina;
- Quality Inn in Cary, North Carolina;
- Comfort Suites off Trinity Road in Raleigh, North Carolina;
- Raleigh Inn off New Bern Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina; and
- Ramada Inn on Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh, North Carolina.
According to information provided to our firm, one survivor reported that Benavidez was trafficking multiple women at the same time. She recalled another woman, who was arrested alongside her on drug-related charges. She also remembered two additional women whose names she could not remember.
Allegations Against Mark Daniel Benavidez
Federal prosecutors alleged that Benavidez used interstate travel and the internet to facilitate a prostitution enterprise. The operation ran between approximately February and July 2017. Additionally, a superseding indictment charged him with multiple offenses. This included heroin distribution, persuading and inducing women to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, transporting women across state lines for prostitution, and using facilities of interstate commerce to promote unlawful prostitution activity.
Federal prosecutors secured a guilty plea from Benavidez for interstate transportation for prostitution, and the court sentenced him to 120 months in federal prison in 2021. Based on that sentence, he likely remains incarcerated today.
Sex trafficking rarely occurs in isolation. Survivors face exploitation in plain sight, moving through hotels and businesses where warning signs are overlooked, ignored, or inadequately addressed. Hotels and other entities can play an important role in recognizing and responding to indicators of trafficking. However, when they fail to implement reasonable safeguards or intervene appropriately, civil litigation may provide survivors with an avenue to pursue accountability.
Sexual Abuse Attorneys Can Help
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation across the country. Our attorneys understand that trafficking cases frequently involve not only the actions of perpetrators but also the institutions and businesses whose failures may have contributed to ongoing harm. Through the civil justice system, survivors can seek answers. They can expose systemic failures and pursue compensation for the profound impact trafficking has had on their lives.
If you or someone you know was trafficked by Mark Daniel Benavidez or experienced trafficking at any of the hotels identified above, we encourage you to contact our office. You may have legal rights and options that deserve exploration with experienced, trauma-informed counsel.
Every consultation is free and completely confidential.
We encourage you to contact us today.
📞 (866) 865-7115
📧 info@vca.law
Photos Courtesy Wyndam.com and Abc11 News.
