Hotels enlisted to combat sex traffic

Investigators who battle sex trafficking are turning to hotels for help, the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune report.

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi, who is leading the effort, gathered with prosecutors and others to announce the initiative. He said his office now prosecutes seven to 10 cases per year involving underage girls and prostitution.

Authorities are training hotel employees on what to look for and when to call police, WCCO reports:

It’s not a new tactic, American Public Media’s Marketplace program reported.

In a recent related story, CNN profiled a hotel chain expert who authorities often turn to as one of their top sex trafficking sleuths.