Local

Charlotte hotel sex-trafficking investigation continues

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Workers removed the sign Thursday at a west Charlotte hotel after suspected illegal activity.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation continued to investigate suspected illegal activity at what was previously known as the Red Roof Inn on Queen City Drive.

Channel 9’s cameras were rolling as crews removed the Red Roof sign after the hotel lost the franchise because of the federal investigation.

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The 11-page federal document chronicles a history of alleged criminal activity from 2012 through 2014 at the hotel.

The document highlights disturbing details of 16- and 17-year-old girls working as prostitutes. The document also said workers at this hotel were paid to keep the crime quiet.

Hannah Arrowood with Present Age Ministries counsels numerous at-risk teens in Charlotte, many who are victims of sex-trafficking.

“When you start working with survivors and start talking to them, they know the hotels that it's happening in, they know the ones that are frequented the most,” Arrowood said.

The FBI said there was a lot of illegal activity at the Red Roof Inn, especially inside room 139.

Channel 9 found the room all the way at the end of the complex near the dumpster and the bushes.

One worker said the room is special because it is equipped with new carpeting and a big-screen television. He added that room 139 is reserved for special patrons.

Hotel managers said no comment.