30-07-2025
Notorious 'motel of ill-repute' set to be shut down after being overrun with sex workers
Seattle authorities are taking aim at a crime-ridden motel on a notorious avenue that's become synonymous with sex trafficking, drug deals, and violence.
The Oaktree Motel - a 39-room property located on Aurora Avenue - has officially been labeled a 'chronic nuisance' by the Seattle Police Department, following nearly a year of escalating complaints and emergency calls.
City officials say the business has repeatedly failed to curb the illegal activity taking place on-site - and now they're moving to shut it down.
Police records show that officers responded to the motel 43 times in 2025 alone, including for overdoses, violent assaults, and weapons-related emergencies.
In one recent case, a convicted human trafficker was arrested at the motel and told officers that his girlfriend - the motel manager - lived and worked there.
Investigators say both the manager and the property owner have refused to cooperate with law enforcement.
Police have documented more than a half-dozen serious crimes at the motel - including a fatal overdose, a guest shot on-site, and a drug bust that uncovered crack, meth, heroin, fentanyl, and thousands in cash.
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes criticized the motel's ownership for repeatedly disregarding public safety concerns.
Seattle police have responded to the Oaktree Motel 43 times in 2025 alone, with incidents ranging from overdoses and assaults to weapons-related calls
'Time's up for irresponsible owners who turn a blind eye to criminal activity and human suffering,' Barnes said in a statement.
'For much of the past year, this motel owner has ignored requests to improve public safety at the Oaktree, putting the lives of employees, residents, visitors, passersby, and vulnerable populations in danger.'
He added, 'By filing this chronic nuisance order we can improve public safety along the Aurora North corridor.'
Under city law, the property owner, Madilyn Investments LLC, now has one week to respond to the official nuisance designation.
If they fail to take corrective action, the City Attorney's Office could file suit, levy fines, or move to shut the motel down entirely.
Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison voiced strong support for the action. 'I thoroughly support Chief Barnes and his decision to declare this a chronic nuisance property,' she said.
The Oaktree is one of several motels on Aurora Avenue facing legal action as city officials move to dismantle trafficking networks and curb street-level prostitution
'I think it's crucial that we use every available strategy to stop the illegal drug activity, the use of weapons, and – most urgently – prostitution and human trafficking.'
The Oaktree is just the latest in a series of motels along Aurora Avenue to face legal pressure.
The area has been plagued by drugs and sex workers while dealing with a homeless crisis.
In recent years, three other properties have received the same chronic nuisance label - one of which has since been sold to a commercial real estate developer.
