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Maid Says Marriott Manager Raped Her

MIAMI (CN) - A Marriott hotel manager raped a housekeeper, "terrorized" her "on a daily basis," and sexually assaulted other housekeepers, Jane Doe No. 21 claims in court.

Jane Doe No. 21 sued Coral Gables Downtown Hotel, Marriott International, and Lupita Clean Services Corp., in Miami-Dade County Court.

Doe, who is married with two children, says she rejected sexual advances from her boss, Marriott manager William Castro, but he forced himself on her.

Castro is not named as a defendant.

The complaint states: "On one occasion, Jane was called to bring towels to a particular room. When she arrived at the room, Castro opened the door, pulled Jane into the room, and then forcibly sexually assaulted her. Jane tried to resist, but Castro told her, 'I'm the boss, you know what's good for you.'

"After that occasion, Castro seized on every opportunity to grab and sexually molest Jane on the premises of the Courtyard by Marriott. The sexual assaults included digital penetration, masturbation and oral sex. He demanded that she send him naked photos, and told her that he would make sure she loses her job if she did not comply. He also threatened to cause her problems with immigration authorities if she did not comply.

"The sexual assaults and molestation worsened over time. Castro demanded that Jane stay at work late, whereupon he would sexually assault her.

"On one occasion, Castro instructed Jane to go to another hotel where Castro had obtained a room. Castro raped Jane in this hotel room.

"Jane Doe learned from another housekeeping worker at Courtyard by Marriott that Castro had sexually harassed and molested her. Upon information and belief, Castro over an extended period of time abused his power and authority over female housekeeping staff at Courtyard by Marriott to sexually harass, molest and assault numerous female housekeepers under his control.

"Jane Doe was terrorized on a daily basis by Castro while she was assigned to the Courtyard by Marriott. The assaults and molestation continued until in or about January 2012."

Doe seeks damages for negligence, corporate liability and vicarious liability.

She is represented by Jeffrey Herman, with Herman, Mermelstein & Horowitz.

Doe, who is from Honduras, told the Miami Herald that the abuse went on for 2½ years. The Herald described the Courtyard Marriott as an "upscale" hotel in Coral Gables' historic district. It said Doe was paid $7.67 an hour.

According to the Herald, a member of Marriott's corporate communications office told the newspaper: ""Marriott International does not own or operate the hotel, and as such, none of the hotel employees are employed by Marriott."

Doe's attorney Jeffrey Herman told the Herald that his client has not reported the abuse to authorities, but he encouraged her to do so.

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