Once you know the truth about Georgia’s human trafficking crisis, ignoring it is no longer an option.

Consider these facts: Georgia is reported by various sources as having the second-highest rate of confirmed human trafficking victims in the country (per 100,000 over a five-year period).

In just over five years, 5,140 cases were identified across our state. In 2024 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 876 calls from Georgia, with 342 cases confirmed.

These numbers represent only the cases we know about. Experts agree that the actual number of trafficking victims is far higher. Due to the covertness of the activities and coercion of victims,—most cases go unreported, unidentified, and invisible. In fact, the numbers reported are described as “only a tiny fraction” of the trafficking that is occurring.

Here are some more reported stats:

• 12,400 men purchase sex with young women in Georgia each month.
• The average age of entry into the commercial sex market for children is between 12 and 14 years old.
• The average victim is sexually exploited three times each night.

Atlanta is a Human Trafficking Hub for the Rest of the Country

We’re not just fighting to protect our own families, cities, and state from trafficking. Atlanta’s major airport and interstate highways make our state a hub for traffickers moving victims across the country.

Therefore, every action we take to strengthen Georgia’s protections against human trafficking matters to the rest of the country

This is why in Georgia our responsibility lies beyond providing education and protecting families at home. It extends to demanding corporate accountability and legal enforcement and advocating for strong anti-trafficking legislation.

Individuals Standing up and fighting Back against Human Trafficking

But here’s the good news: change is already happening. Across Georgia, courageous individuals are standing up and fighting back—and they’re winning. Their victories prove that one person, armed with determination and commitment, can make a real difference. Victims are being rescued, traffickers and corporation are being held accountable, and laws are being changed. These stories aren’t just inspiring—they’re a roadmap for what’s possible when we refuse to look away and decide to act.

Let’s take a look at the Red Roof Inn case for example:

Under the Red Roof

The Red Roof Inn case stands as a pivotal moment in the fight against trafficking, spotlighting the pervasive issues of sex trafficking and prostitution at specific properties in Smyrna and Buckhead.

In 2024, a civil trial held Red Roof Inn liable for permitting sex trafficking on its properties, as alleged by eleven plaintiffs.

Red Roof Inn Employees Held Accountable

For over a decade, these activities were alarmingly frequent and visible, as revealed in publicly available case documents (Civil Action File No. 1:20-cv-5263-VMC). During the trial, it became evident that hotel employees actively facilitated traffickers and sought to maximize profits from rooms associated with trafficking.

Emma Hetherington, director of the University of Georgia School of Law Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation Clinic, emphasized that signs of trafficking were widely reported and should have been apparent to Red Roof Inn and other corporate entities named in the suit. “If you go to Google reviews or to Trip Advisor reviews you will see lots of reports of people saying, ‘This is definitely happening, there is trafficking here, look at what I’m seeing on these properties,’” Hetherington said in an interview on “All Things Considered.”

Hotel Comfort for Traffickers

In gut-wrenching testimony, plaintiff after plaintiff recounted the sexual and physical abuse they endured at the Red Roof Inn properties. One plaintiff testified that she and other victims were forced to see different men every 30 minutes, five nights a week. Through tears, the plaintiff told jurors, “For six years, [Red Roof Inn] allowed us to be there. For six years, they allowed my traffickers to be comfortable.”

The plaintiffs in this lawsuit allege that the knowledge of sex trafficking at these properties went far beyond the hotel staff, reaching up to the highest levels of corporate management. Evidence presented in court included internal communications and depositions that plaintiffs’ attorneys argue clearly demonstrated the company’s awareness of the illegal activities. In one email, Jay Moyer, the then-regional vice president of operations, made a crude remark about “pimps and hos,” which he later claimed was a quote from customer reviews. However, the plaintiffs’ lawyers argued that, regardless of the context, the email indicates Moyer’s awareness that the hotel regularly rented rooms to suspected sex workers and pimps.

Reports of Human Trafficking were ignored

Furthermore, evidence presented at trial revealed that reports of sex trafficking were brought to the attention of the company’s counsel, George Limbert, as well as its president, Andrew Alexander. On one occasion, a former board member of multiple anti-trafficking organizations informed Limbert and Alexander that a known trafficker was operating out of one of the Atlanta hotels. However, Red Roof Inn never disclosed any action taken in response, and weeks later, the trafficker was reportedly still on the hotel premises.

Winning Precedent

Lead counsel Pat McDonough underscored the case’s significance, stating,

“Our clients sought not only justice but also systematic change in the hospitality industry. By bravely coming forward, they hope to compel major brands to implement policies and training that prevent similar tragedies.”

The trial highlighted that Red Roof Inn corporate was aware of sex trafficking, including minor sex trafficking, occurring on its premises for years. McDonough lamented, “The heartbreaking details of this case underscore that Red Roof Inn not only knew about these issues but chose to profit from them.”

This case was the first of its kind to go to trial against a national hotel brand, establishing a precedent for accountability in the hospitality sector.  The case underscored the need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat trafficking and safeguard vulnerable individuals. It sent the message that those who fail to act will be held accountable.

Crackdown on Trafficking in Spas and massage centers in Roswell, Georgia

In April 2022, Roswell City Councilwoman Lee Hills initiated efforts aimed at curbing human trafficking and prostitution occurring in Roswell spas and massage parlors.  The establishments in question were operating without proper licenses and had evidence of human trafficking and prostitution. The operations in question often involved underage or coerced individuals.

In response to the trafficking crisis, she moved to approve a text amendment to the city’s code of ordinances, which required all spa employees to obtain an annual work permit. The motion was seconded by Councilman Will Morthland and passed 5-0, with Councilman Marcelo Zapata absent.

“There’s a known problem across the United States, and certainly Roswell is no exception for human trafficking and prostitution that is going on under some of our massage establishments and spas..   I absolutely want every single business here in Roswell to thrive, to make money and go home and sleep well at night. For the ones that are trying to dupe our city or our residents or use us as a vehicle for illicit and illegal behavior, I have no tolerance for that.” Roswell Councilwoman Lee Hills

The ordinance is 17 pages long and gets down to the details relevant to keeping out spas that engage in illicit activities in Roswell.

“We can’t solve the entire problem of human trafficking, but what we can do is say in the city of Roswell, we are going to eliminate it. We are going to eradicate these from our city.” Mayor Kurt Wilson

Subsequently, the Roswell Police Department posted the following warning on its Facebook page:

“All massage establishments in the City of Roswell are required to possess a current and valid massage establishment license, alongside a business license. Businesses currently operating without meeting those requirements are urged to immediately cease operations and apply for the necessary licenses at the Roswell Police Department, located at 39 Hill St., Roswell, GA 30075, during regular business hours.”

Undercover Operations and Busts

The Roswell Police Department’s Special Investigations Section then conducted numerous undercover operations, which resulted in significant busts in September 2023 at multiple Roswell spa locations.

Continuing crackdown efforts by Roswell police resulted in 16 illegal massage parlors being shuttered by March of 2024.  The focus remained on locations operating without a license.

Several locations on Alpharetta Hwy, Holcomb Bridge Rd, and Mansell Rd were closed after police investigations.

In addition, 15 other businesses were inspected, resulting in the issuance of six citations for ordinance violations.

Further ongoing actions in Roswell against Human Trafficking

These actions were part of a larger, ongoing effort by Mayor Kurt Wilson and the City Council to strengthen regulations and eliminate human trafficking, with further police actions occurring throughout 2024 and 2025.

Human Trafficking at the Economy Hotel

In May 2025 The Roswell Police Department arrested six people following an investigation into the trafficking and exploitation of two juveniles. The accused face a combined 51 criminal charges.

The girls were brought to the Economy Hotel off Old Dogwood Road in Roswell with the express intent of sexually abusing them. Over the following days, the girls were given drugs and alcohol, and their sex trafficking was facilitated by hotel employees and other adults.

Fortunately, this operation was stopped by Roswell police after receiving a suspicious person report. The girls were taken to safety and received care.

“Thanks to the courage of a concerned citizen and the swift response of Roswell Police, these girls were found and are receiving support and resources for their recovery — and those responsible are being brought to justice.” Mayor Wilson

Human Trafficking Victims Rescued

To date, more than 50 human trafficking victims have been reported rescued in Roswell due to the efforts of the City Council, police, and citizens.

Massage spas have gone from over 50 down to 24 during the course of the Roswell Operation.

These are just two of many examples of individuals stepping up and making a difference in the horrific impacts of human trafficking.  You can make a difference too.

Attend The Human Trafficking Awareness Advocacy Day Event at the Capitol on February 10, 2026.  Details are HERE.

Get Involved!

If you or someone you know needs help:

• Contact the confidential National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733, or using their online report form.
• Tips concerning child exploitation can also be submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline.

References:

“Human Trafficking Awareness”. Georgia Commission to Combat Human Trafficking. 2018.GRACE

“FINAL REPORT OF THE COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF MINORS JOINT STUDY COMMISSION”. Georgia Senate Research Office.2008

“Human Trafficking & Child Slavery”. Covenant House of Georgia

Cahmion,Cruz. “Roswell Cracking Down on Massage Parlors”. 11 Alive. April 2022

“Gaps in Reporting Human Trafficking Incidents Result in Significant Undercounting”. National Institute of Justice. Aug 4, 2020.