After several undercover operations lasting through early , detectives found numerous women advertising themselves for sex on websites and directing their customers β and undercover detectives β to the Mission Valley Travelodge.
Over the course of the investigation, officials said more than 20 prostitution-related arrests were made, including arrests for pimping and human trafficking. Last February, detectives arrested three prostitutes at the hotel suspected of working together.
Previously, in January , detectives arrested two prostitutes also suspected of working out of the hotel. Their alleged pimp was also arrested at the hotel.
Investigators said evidence indicated the suspected pimp was allegedly depriving the two prostitutes of food, drinks, cell phone access and proper medical care. Before that bust, another female prostitute and her suspected pimp were arrested at the hotel in late December Investigators said those suspects had traveled throughout California and Arizona engaging in prostitution-related activities.
Officials say hotel management has been responsive and cooperative in addressing the prostitution problems. In addition to increasing hours for onsite security guards, the hotel has also installed more security cameras and posted signs to deter criminal activity on the premises. The hotel has also improved registration policies, which now require the photocopying of all guest and visitor ID cards, registering of all guest and visitor vehicles and increased deposit for all rooms rented with cash.
