The operators of large casinos in Las Vegas have filed motions to dismiss a civil lawsuit charging them with being involved in a sex trafficking scheme with underage prostitutes. The lawsuit, which was brought by an anonymous plaintiff identified only as Tyla D., claims that many casinos — including MGM Resorts International, the Venetian Resort and Boyd Gaming Corp. — did nothing about the rampant prostitution taking place on their properties.
Lawsuit Alleges Las Vegas Casinos Enabled Sex Trafficking of Minors
As per the complaint, in 2006, Tyla D. became involved in prostitution when she was 14 years old after running away from home. Her pimps reportedly made her solicit customers on different Las Vegas casino floors. The suit argues that these establishments allowed sex trafficking because of their belief that the town permitted all forms of commercialized sexual activity — best represented by the well-known phrase “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.”
According to the lawsuit, sex slaves were known to workers in the casino who were also believed to be involved in their activities as they could gain extra money from referrals. Tyla D., a victim of trafficking, recounts her ordeals at the hands of different men who used her, took away all she earned, and limited her access to basic necessities like food and housing.
In 2007 when she was arrested, Tyla managed to get away from her captors for some time but claims that they forced her back into prostitution by 2013. At that time it is said that facial recognition software had been installed in the gambling establishments which should have recognized her as a frequent and suspicious visitor according to the suit. Nevertheless, none of this happened because nobody from the casino staff bothered about intervening thereby allowing her pimps to continue abusing her.
Defendants Claim Complaint is Time-Barred and Lacks Specific Allegations
The defendants have responded by stating that the lawsuit is time-barred and that the claims are not specific enough to support a cause of action. Boyd Gaming’s legal team pointed out that the complaint mingles generalities about Las Vegas’ sex trade with direct allegations against the casino operators.
According to the report, the casinos deny any involvement in or benefit from sex trafficking and maintain their employees acted appropriately. They expressed sympathy towards victims but said they cannot be held responsible for what Tyla D.’s traffickers did behind their backs.
Tyla D., who still suffers from emotional scars due to these events, seeks compensatory damages as well as punitive measures. Her lawyers contend that the casinos’ inaction and tacit tolerance of the sex trade contributed to her prolonged exploitation.