Man sues hotel for $160 million after alleged sexual assault

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) - A Mississippi man who visited Charlotte in April 2022 is suing a hotel for $160 million after he said another man got into his room and sexually assaulted him during his stay.

The alleged incident happened at the Charlotte Marriott City Center at the corner of Trade and Tryon streets.

In the lawsuit, the man, referred to as “John Doe” in documents, said he is a member of the Air Force who was traveling to Orlando for training when the alleged assault happened.

After some flight cancellations, he used loyalty points and booked a room at the Marriott, the lawsuit stated.

He said he went to sleep in his room and did not realize the self-closing and self-locking door to his room were not functioning properly, and the door to his room did not properly latch shut or lock.

The man said he woke up to an assailant sexually assaulting him without his consent. The suit said he “howled in terror” and lashed out to punch the suspect, Jermaine Peay, and throw him off.

The lawsuit said Peay then ran away and stole John Doe’s wallet, a pair of pants and a shirt.

Peay was arrested in January 2023 and charged with first-degree burglary, forced sex offense and larceny after breaking and entering. He is still awaiting trial.

The lawsuit said the hotel should have known the locks were not secure and failed to provide adequate security.

Marriott has been contacted for a statement regarding the lawsuit but has not yet responded.

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