New restrictions for SW Houston hotel embroiled in prostitution claims
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A southwest Houston hotel is facing a number of restrictions amid allegations of prostitution and human trafficking.
Since 2014, the Harris County Attorney's Office says law enforcement agencies have received more than 400 calls for service at the Plainfield Inn involving prostitution, underage prostitution, sexual assault, shootings, stabbings, robberies, aggravated assaults, fighting and illegal drug offenses.
Under the order, Plainfield Inn, located in the 9600 block of Plainfield Street, is ordered to install surveillance cameras and a security gate, prohibit cash payments without proper identification, eliminate hourly rates for rooms, restrict access only to registered guests and visitors with valid identification and engage a licensed peace officer to provide security.
The county and city filed the initial lawsuit in April. A final trial is scheduled for November.
The Harris County Attorney's Office notes the Bissonnet Corridor, a one-mile segment of Bissonnet between the Southwest Freeway and the Sam Houston Tollway, is "well known by law enforcement as a hot spot for prostitution and human trafficking. Area business owners complain of prostitutes standing in the medians and soliciting in front of their businesses and harassing customers."
The county and city have also sued the Budget Garden Suites, in the 10500 block of Bissonnet. The Harris County Attorney's Office claims that hotel is also known for prostitution.
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan said in a release to the press, "Widespread prostitution unchecked can drag down an entire community. In addition to the human toll, prostitution drains our law enforcement resources and costs the taxpayers millions of dollars every year. My office supports the efforts of law enforcement and the outreach organizations that are offering women caught in the web of prostitution a way out of this dangerous life. We will pursue those businesses that turn a blind eye to these crimes occurring on their properties and will shut them down if necessary."
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