A couple's dream vacation turned into a nightmare when they were allegedly attacked by bedbugs during their stay at a Ventura hotel. On June 25, 2024, Korlese Moreno and Gabriel Moreno filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, against Travelers Beach Inn and its operators, Shante Enterprises, Inc., and Bhupinder Shante.
According to the complaint, the Morenos checked into Room 242 at Travelers Beach Inn on June 26, 2022. The following morning, Gabriel Moreno woke up alarmed after feeling bites on his body. Upon inspection, the couple discovered bedbugs infesting their room. When Korlese Moreno reported the issue to the front desk staff, she was accused of bringing in the bedbugs herself and was asked to leave immediately. The couple discarded many of their belongings to prevent spreading the infestation and sought medical attention for severe itching and emotional distress caused by the bites.
The lawsuit details that Travelers Beach Inn had prior knowledge of bedbug infestations but failed to take adequate measures to eradicate them or warn guests. "Defendants deliberately chose not to inspect or ensure that Plaintiffs' room was free of Cimex lectularius immediately before Plaintiffs' stay," reads the complaint. The plaintiffs argue that this negligence led directly to their injuries and emotional trauma.
The Morenos are seeking general and specific damages for physical injuries including permanent scarring from bedbug bites, as well as emotional distress such as anxiety and embarrassment. They also seek punitive damages for what they describe as willful misconduct by the hotel management in failing to maintain sanitary conditions despite being aware of ongoing infestations. The lawsuit lists multiple causes of action including battery, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraudulent concealment, private nuisance, public nuisance, and breach of contract.
Representing the plaintiffs is Ilan N. Rosen Janfaza from Law Offices of Ilan N. Rosen Janfaza A.P.C., while Brenda L. McCormick serves as Executive Officer and Clerk for the court where Judge Hannah presides over Case No. 2024CUPP026248.