BROOKLYN CENTER, MINNESOTA — The number of victims identified in a sex trafficking investigation involving two Brooklyn Center hotels has grown from 18 to 30, but authorities say no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the September operation. Brooklyn Center police confirmed that 30 victims are now connected to the investigation involving the Super 8 and Travelodge hotels. Incident Commander Richard Gabler said investigators are continuing to gather evidence and information as additional victims come forward. “One of the challenges is with each new victim comes new information and evidence to attempt to collect,” Gabler said in an email. “That wasn’t a total surprise to us but something we are having to work through.” Hotels Remain Closed Both hotels had their operating licenses revoked and cannot reapply or reopen until April 2027. The Super 8 has previously faced allegations involving sex trafficking. The property was connected to a separate trafficking case more than a decade ago. The closures have also raised questions about accountability at City Hall. During an October City Council meeting, Brooklyn Center Mayor April Graves questioned what responsibility or potential liability the hotel’s franchisor, Wyndham, could face. “What if any responsibility does Wyndham have? Or liability does Wyndham have?” Graves asked. Lawsuit Raises Questions About Hotel Accountability The investigation has renewed attention on a separate lawsuit filed in 2023 against Super 8 franchisor Wyndham. Attorney Jeffrey Montpetit represents a woman who alleges she was trafficked at the Brooklyn Center Super 8 in 2013, when she was 15 years old. Montpetit said the lawsuit focuses in part on whether the hotel financially benefited from the trafficking that allegedly occurred on its property. “You need to prove that the establishment profited,” Montpetit said. “Obviously, they rented a room where the victim was trafficked. Is that profit? Seems to me that it is.” According to the lawsuit, the woman said she was forced to see as many as 20 men per day while staying at the hotel and frequently interacted with the same employees. The lawsuit alleges hotel staff should have recognized warning signs, including visible bruising, provocative clothing and the teenager’s fearful and nervous behavior. Montpetit said businesses and community members should be willing to recognize potential signs of trafficking and report concerns to authorities. “People just can’t be afraid to ask questions. People can’t be afraid to report things to the police,” he said. Investigation Continues Montpetit is not representing any of the 30 victims identified in the September investigation but said he is following the case closely. Wyndham did not respond to two requests for comment, according to FOX 9. With the investigation continuing and no charges filed so far, questions remain about who may ultimately be held accountable. “What can be done to make this horrible tragedy for her never happen again to a young woman like her?” Montpetit said. Source: FOX 9; Brooklyn Center Police Department; lawsuit filed against Wyndham.