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Hotel Owner Charged With Sex Trafficking, Connecticut State Police Say

A Connecticut hotel owner allegedly operating a “sex dungeon” is facing a host of charges, including human sex trafficking involving a preteen, police said.

Simon Hessler.

Simon Hessler.

Photo Credit: Connecticut State Police

Simon Hessler, an Ellington resident and the owner and manager of Baymont Inn and Suites in Manchester, was busted by Connecticut State Police following an investigation into underage human sex trafficking. 

Hessler was allegedly attempting to solicit a preteen girl for the purpose of a sexual interaction that included a forced restraint.

Police said that Hessler was arrested when he attempted to pay an undercover trooper for the delivery and access to the preteen. Multiple search warrants were then executed, which led to the discovery of a second business that housed a “sex dungeon” and related paraphernalia.

Hessler, 46, of Ellington, has been charged with:

  • Attempted and conspiracy of trafficking in persons;
  • Attempted felony patronizing of a prostitute;
  • Attempted sexual assault;
  • Attempted impairing the morals of a minor;
  • Attempted unlawful restraint;
  • Attempted cruelty to a person;
  • Attempted promotion of child pornography;
  • Conspiracy of risking injury to a minor;
  • Conspiracy to commit intentional cruelty to a minor.

Hessler is being held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court in Manchester this week to respond to the charges.

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