New hotel policy seeks to stem human trafficking in South San Francisco

Mayor Pro Tem Karyl Matsumoto, for example, said a possible pimp could be deterred by the requirement of offering his or her full name. But without enforcement, a hotel may not actually require a clerk to get the information.

When asked and not able to provide the information, the hotel faces a fine that starts at $100 and goes up based on the number of infractions, explained police Sgt. Scott Campbell.

Since 2005, the South San Francisco Police Department has investigated more than 160 cases of human trafficking involving 182 escorts and/or pimps, said Campbell. It also maintains a database of more than 500 identified pimps and/or escorts. Since 2012, South San Francisco police have responded to 3,260 incidents at its 27 hotels. From those, 564 resulted in full investigations and that led to 160 arrests. Campbell said many outstanding cases would have been aided if such a registry had been kept.

Councilman Mark Addiego said those numbers were hard to hear.

Police worked with local hotels prior to recommending the new rule.

Jim Maguire, general manager at the Best Western Grosvenor in South San Francisco, said he was surprised by the request.

"Basically, they're asking us to do our job," said Maguire, who said it's unfortunate that not all hotels already have the practice of obtaining basic information when a person checks in.

Approval of the new rule came hours after a couple arrested in South San Francisco for allegedly prostituting four women, including one underage girl, pleaded not guilty to human trafficking charges and waived their right to a speedy prosecution.

Maria Carolina Jiminez and Sate Stallone Jones, both 25 and of San Francisco, were arrested at the La Quinta Inn in South San Francisco after being alerted by a clerk who'd undergone training about recognizing human trafficking. A man later identified as Jones reportedly dropped off two women one night and two women the next between Feb. 15 and Feb. 16.

Jiminez and Jones are charged with one felony count which under a new sentencing law passed by voters in November could carry decades in prison because a minor is allegedly involved. Prior to the passage of Proposition 35, the maximum term was between eight and 12 years.

The women reportedly told police the couple gave them illegal drugs to keep them working all night and sometimes deprived them of food. When the man returned with a woman, identified as Jiminez, to collect the four others, they were arrested.

They remain in custody on $350,000 bail each.

Police are seeking a third suspect and anyone with information is asked to contact South San Francisco police at 877-8900.

heather@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ext. 105.