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Shelly Strom produces communications that win hearts and minds. Propelled by curiosity and an acute ability for finding and telling stories that are interesting and engaging, Shelly learned the trade while writing for newspapers in Oregon and Washington. 

Portland sex trafficking lawsuit involving local hotel serves as cautionary tale

For Portland Business Journal

by Shelly Strom, for Portland Business Journal

A judge recently settled legal sparring in a case that serves as a cautionary tale for the hospitality industry. The lawsuit involves sex trafficking, online classifieds, a local hotel and the murder of a young woman.

Chief United States District Judge Michael Mossman issued an opinion and order on Jan. 21, affirming a court recommendation for the case to move forward in Multnomah County Circuit Court. The ruling ended a nearly year-long argument by defendants who asserted that the case falls under federal jurisdiction instead of state circuit court, where it was filed back in 2017.

The lawsuit seeks $3.6 million in damages for the estate of Ashley Benson, who was murdered in 2014 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Portland’s Lloyd District. The lawsuit alleges she was a victim of sex trafficking.

The lawsuit names 22 defendants including a worker at the DoubleTree, Hilton Worldwide Holdings and WMK Portland, LLC, which owned the DoubleTree Hotel at the time of the murder.

WMK’s representative did not return a call for comment by the Portland Business Journal's deadline. Both the hotel and Hilton declined to comment. Read more.

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