‘I was treated like a piece of meat,’ Columbus human trafficking survivor shares her story

A Columbus attorney is alleging major hotel chains know or should know about sex trafficking happening on their properties, and he's filing several lawsuits in federal court against them.

One of the hotels he's suing is Red Roof Inn, based in New Albany.

According to Sgt. Dana Hess, the director of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, human trafficking is extremely prevalent in Central Ohio.  She said the task force has received 232 possible human trafficking tips so far this year. While it happens in hotels, Hess said it can happen anywhere.

Felicia Snell was just 12 years old when she said she became a victim of human trafficking.

“I was treated like a piece of meat,” Snell said. “She took me from Columbus, Ohio down to Tennessee and sold me to her family.”

Snell said she remembers feeling hurt and angry during that traumatic time.

“I couldn't comprehend what was going on,” she said. “All I knew was what was being done to me was wrong.”

She also recalled being afraid to ask for help.

“My traffickers had brainwashed me and told me ‘I care about you, I love you,” she said. “I know when I first spoke up, they beat me and put me down in the basement.”

About seven years ago, Snell said she reached out to a woman who she calls her guardian angel.

“I was blessed to have someone to come get me right now, and I was scared because I had no idea, but I know I need to get out,” she said. “This is the only time I can get out.”

That day marked the beginning of her life as a survivor.

“It made me the woman that I am,” Snell said. “I know my values. I know how to say no. I know who I am.”

Sadly, Snell's story is not unique.

“This is a problem that plagues a lot of communities and neighborhoods in the City of Columbus,” Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said. “We've certainly had our share of hotels and motels that were epicenters of human trafficking events and gang violence and drugs as well.”

When Klein was a council member, he said he started a permitting system that allows officials to object to the renewal of hotel or motel licenses.

According to Hess, trafficking victims in Columbus have ranged in age from 12 to 65. She said 53% of the task force's cases this year involve juvenile victims.

“They don't even realize that you're being groomed, and before you know it you become a slave,” Snell said.

Snell said she prays for victims of trafficking and encourages them to use their voices and ask for help.

“There is hope,” she said. “You don't have to live like this. You are not a slave. You are a human being.”

Hess said the majority of victims are female. She suggests watching for three to four women who are with a male that is older than them. She said it's common for the women to avoid eye contact. If you see something suspicious, call police.