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Sex Trafficking Allegations Surface Against Fort Lauderdale Hotel
‘A sex slave’: Broward hotel in center of sex-trafficking allegations
Image: Miami Herald
A federal lawsuit claims the Rodeway Inn near Fort Lauderdale facilitated sex trafficking, with a former escort alleging she was held captive and abused by a trafficker from 2019 to 2020. The hotel’s management allegedly ignored signs of trafficking and profited from the abuse. The case raises serious concerns about safety and accountability in hotel operations.
- 01The lawsuit alleges that the Rodeway Inn's management, specifically Israel Fintz, ignored signs of sex trafficking occurring on the premises.
- 02The plaintiff, identified as 'S.W.', claims she was held captive and abused by trafficker Steven Charles Joseph, who charged clients for sex acts.
- 03Florida law requires hotels to train staff on identifying and preventing sex trafficking, but Rodeway Inn was cited for non-compliance in 2023.
- 04The Fintz family has a history of sexual misconduct allegations linked to their hotel properties, raising questions about their business practices.
- 05Choice Hotels, the franchisor, denies responsibility for the actions of its franchisees, despite the serious allegations against the Rodeway Inn.
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The Rodeway Inn near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is facing serious allegations of facilitating sex trafficking, as detailed in a federal lawsuit filed in early 2025. A former escort, referred to as 'S.W.', claims she was held captive and abused by a trafficker, Steven Charles Joseph, at the hotel from 2019 to 2020. The lawsuit alleges that the hotel's management, including Israel Fintz, ignored signs of trafficking and profited from the abuse. Joseph reportedly charged clients for sex acts while keeping the woman under strict control, even recording acts of violence against her. The hotel has been cited for failing to comply with Florida's anti-trafficking training requirements. The Fintz family, who owns the hotel, has a troubling history of sexual misconduct allegations linked to their properties. Choice Hotels, the franchise operator, has distanced itself from the allegations, denying any responsibility for the hotel's operations. The Broward Sheriff’s Office is investigating the claims, emphasizing the need for accountability in hotel management regarding safety and trafficking prevention.
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The allegations against the Rodeway Inn raise significant concerns about the safety of hotel environments in Florida, particularly regarding the prevention of sex trafficking.
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