Police Chief Shon Barnes declared an Aurora Avenue North motel to be a chronic nuisance property following a series of violent incidents, drug dealing, and human trafficking activity. Last week, the City sent the chronic nuisance declaration letter to Madilyn Investments, owner of the Oaktree Motel, located at 8900 Aurora Avenue North. The declaration requires the owner to respond within seven days and come to an agreement with the City to address the public safety hazards. The action underscores the City’s commitment to hold lodging owners accountable for enabling or ignoring signs of human trafficking and other crimes.
“Time’s up for irresponsible owners who turn a blind eye to criminal activity and human suffering,” Barnes said. “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. By filing this chronic nuisance order we can improve public safety along the Aurora North corridor.”
Police records show that SPD has visited the 39-room motel 43 times in 2025. Two weeks ago, Seattle Police arrested a convicted human trafficker at the motel. The suspect stated that the girlfriend is the manager of the motel. Following the arrest, both the manager and the owner of the motel refused to cooperate with police.
Under City law, Madilyn Investments LLC, has seven days from service of the official notice to respond. Failure to comply could result in the City Attorney’s Office filing a civil lawsuit in addition to fines.
“I thoroughly support Chief Barnes and his decision to declare this a chronic nuisance property,” said Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison. “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.”
Crackdown on Aurora North
The police attempted to address public safety issues at the Oaktree Motel beginning in February. Back then, police officials instructed the owner to take immediate steps to address criminal activity on the premises. Investigators noticed a temporary reduction in 9-1-1 calls for the motel, but it resumed in June. This resurgence ultimately prompted Barnes to file the order.
The Oaktree Motel came under scrutiny as part of the department’s wider, ongoing effort to dismantle human trafficking, and drug networks operating along Aurora Avenue North. Approximately 12 aging motels line Aurora Avenue North between 85th and 145th streets, a stretch nationally known as Seattle’s hub for prostitution. In recent years, YouTube videos depicting sex workers and modern-day slaves courting customers and walking along Aurora Avenue North have increased global attention and publicity for the area. These videos sometimes attract millions of views, serving to intentionally or unintentionally promote the sex trade district.
In the last five years, the department has declared three other motels as chronic nuisance properties. One of the motels was recently sold to a commercial real estate developer.
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Notable incidents that police responded to at the Oaktree Motel:
• July 14 – Police arrested a suspect on a warrant, recover oxycontin and cash
• June 29 – Police found shell casings in the parking lot after a report of shots fired
• June 26 – A rideshare driver assaulted after picking up suspect who is believed to be a sex worker
• June 6 – A motel guest was assaulted with pepper spray by motel manager
• February 19 – A known sex worker arranged to have sex with a customer for $280 but refused him; the suspect returned, stole her purse and sprayed her with pepper spray
• February 8 – A victim was choked and punched at the motel
• October 1, 2024 – Police found a person dead from an overdose and drug paraphernalia in a motel room
• October 10, 2024 – Police responded to multiple shots fired at motel parking lot.
•September 27, 2024 – Victim is shot at the motel.
September 9, 2024 – Police responded to a 9-1-1 call saying person had overdosed. Woman who is likely a sex worker is found deceased in a motel room with drugs and drug paraphernalia in the room
• September 2, 2024 – Victim is at the motel when the suspect demands drugs from her. When victim refuses, suspect grabs victim in a bear hug and fondles her breasts.
• August 2024 – Police observed a suspect for multiple days engaging in behavior consistent with selling drugs. Suspect has a room at the motel with lots of foot traffic. Suspect is stopped in the parking lot of the motel with crack, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl and $4700 cash.