Truck Stop Prostitution Targeted In Oklahoma City Lawsuit

Rusty Surette, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's a first-of-its-kind lawsuit filed by Oklahoma City, and its targeting the world's oldest profession.

On October 26, the city filed a nuisance abatement lawsuit against Mian Rashid, the owner of the Five Star Truck Stop. The suit states the truck stop "is being used in such a manner as to be a public nuisance" due to prostitutes who are often seen turning tricks in the parking lot with truckers.

On two separate occasions this year, city officials have issued notices to Rashid advising him of what he can do to help rid his property of the so-called 'lot lizards.'

Despite the requests, the suit claims Rashid "on several occasions have allowed prostitutes to ply their unlawful trade on the Five Star Truck Stop property without making any attempt to remove them from the property, without making any attempt to notify the police of their presence and without requesting assistance from the police to remove the prostitutes from the property."

Rashid told News 9 he's hired security, added additional security cameras and has complied with the city's requests.

"I did everything they asked, so I don't know why they're suing me," said Rashid.

JohnTV.com 's Brian Bates said he's documented the illegal activity at the truck stop on several occasions and once Rashid ran him off.

"I've been documenting prostitution and help getting prosecutions for 15 years and in that time this is the only time a commercial property owner has ever said 'Get off my property. I'll have you arrested,'" said Bates.

In its suit, the city is asking that the truck stop be closed if Rashid doesn't do a better job in the future at controlling the prostitution problem and working with investigators.

The suit is the first from the Oklahoma City Police Department's Nuisance Abatement Unit which was formed nearly three years ago.