A Horrific Assault at Age Nine (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Las Vegas – A woman identified as Jane Doe has launched a negligence lawsuit against the former owners of the Palms casino-hotel, claiming their security lapses enabled her sexual assault and trafficking as a child nearly a decade ago.[1]
A Horrific Assault at Age Nine
Nine-year-old Jane Doe endured a traumatic ordeal at Palms Place, a hotel-condo tower next to the Palms casino-hotel, on November 19, 2016. Dequincy Brass obtained a room key from the front desk and brought the plaintiff along with another underage girl to the room. There, he sexually assaulted both minors and issued death threats against them and their families to ensure silence.[1]
The lawsuit details how Brass checked out afterward, returning the key while the girls trailed behind in plain view. They displayed obvious distress, crying openly and showing signs of upset. Yet no intervention occurred from staff during this process.[1]
Brass’s Conviction and Release
Authorities later convicted Brass in 2020 on 20 sex-related charges involving minors, including the plaintiff. A jury sentenced him to 115 years to life in prison, with parole eligibility after 35 years. His case reached the Nevada Supreme Court, where convictions faced reversal in 2025 due to Sixth Amendment violations.[1]
Brass then entered an Alford plea to child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. The Nevada Department of Corrections released him following the plea deal. The lawsuit notes his prior stays at the Palms and Palms Place, where he received complimentary room perks.[1]
Security Failures Alleged
Clark County District Court received the complaint on February 17. It accuses Red Rock Resorts Inc., Station Casinos, and PPII Holdings — previous Palms operators — of negligence. No security personnel patrolled the lobby or elevators during check-in and check-out, despite staff training on spotting sex trafficking, minor exploitation, and assaults.[1]
Operators failed to act on visible cues from the distressed children. The suit highlights repeated guest privileges extended to Brass, suggesting overlooked patterns. Red Rock Resorts, which ran Station Casinos, received no immediate comment request response.[1]
- Absence of lobby security during key exchanges
- Girls’ crying and distress ignored at front desk
- No elevator monitoring despite trafficking training
- Prior comps to Brass despite multiple visits
- Failure to intervene post-assault threats
Seeking Justice and Accountability
Jane Doe pursues general, compensatory, and punitive damages exceeding $15,000. She also requests coverage for past and future medical costs, attorney fees, and additional court relief. The case underscores potential gaps in hospitality protocols for vulnerable guests.[1]
Courts will examine whether training translated to action amid high-traffic environments like off-Strip resorts. Similar allegations have surfaced in prior Las Vegas hospitality disputes, though details vary.[1]
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 incident involved a 9-year-old victim at Palms Place.
- Perpetrator Brass received comped stays despite risks.
- Lawsuit targets former owners for security oversights.
This lawsuit spotlights the critical duty of resorts to protect minors amid trafficking threats. Stronger vigilance could prevent future tragedies. What do you think about these security lapses? Tell us in the comments.
