Key Takeaways
- After multiple prior encounters with law enforcement, Raylonzo Roberts was sentenced in 2018 to 281 years to life in prison for trafficking girls as young as 13.
- Survivors may have the right to pursue civil lawsuits against hotels that failed to recognize and prevent trafficking.
Who Is Raylonzo Roberts?
In December 2018, Raylonzo Roberts was sentenced to 281 years to life in state prison after being convicted in October 2017 on numerous felony counts involving sex trafficking.
At the time of sentencing, he was 43 years old and had a prior criminal history, including convictions from the 1990s for robbery and attempted robbery. He had also already been found guilty in December 2016 of two counts of human trafficking of minors and subsequently sentenced to 16 years in state prison.
Details of the Criminal Case
During sentencing, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert J. Perry described Roberts as a “danger to society.”
“Roberts sexually assaulted or sexually trafficked eight girls at various times between August 2011 and July 2015,” a news release from the LA County District Attorney’s Office stated. The release also noted that the victims were as young as 13.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Roberts was convicted of the following:
- Two felony counts of pandering by procuring a minor under age 16
- Two felony counts of human trafficking of a minor for a commercial sex act
- Two felony counts of human trafficking of a minor for a commercial sex act by force, fear, fraud or threat of injury
- Two felony counts of lewd act on a child
- Human trafficking to commit another crime
- Aggravated sexual assault of a child
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
“According to evidence presented at the trial, he physically assaulted two of the young victims, one because she failed to make sufficient money and the other because she left him to work for another pimp.” (LA County District Attorney’s Office)
Roberts, an alleged “self-proclaimed gang member,” along with another alleged gang member, used social media platforms to advertise and exploit minors. Investigators say the victims were transported to hotels and areas known for commercial sex activity. Authorities believe the victims were from Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
Hotel Liability in Sex Trafficking Cases
Because Raylonzo Roberts allegedly used multiple hotels throughout the Los Angeles area to facilitate the trafficking of minors, this case raises critical questions about who may have enabled or overlooked the exploitation.
Hotels and motels are among the most common locations where trafficking occurs, and they have a responsibility to recognize and respond to warning signs of exploitation on their property.
These warning signs may include frequent cash payments, a steady flow of visitors to a single room, extended stays, or individuals who appear fearful or controlled.
When hotels ignore these red flags, they enable trafficking to occur.
Through civil lawsuits, survivors of trafficking can hold hotels accountable for failing to intervene. These cases may allow survivors to seek compensation for the emotional, psychological, and financial impact of the exploitation, while also driving changes in policies, training, and oversight to help protect others in the future.
Support and Resources
If you are a survivor of 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 Trafficking Lawsuit?
If you were trafficked by Raylonzo Roberts or another individual, and want to understand your legal options, please contact Andreozzi + Foote today for a confidential consultation.
Our attorneys have experience representing survivors of sex trafficking in California and nationwide.
Taking the first step may be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team will listen, guide you through your options, and stand with you in the fight for justice.
Contact us today.
📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law
Image sources: Raylonzo Roberts, courtesy of the Los Angeles Police Department, via KTLA News.
