Kansas City, MO - Hotel Phillips' Front Clerk, Fletcher Clardy, III, Arrested For Using Duplicate Key To Assault Hotel Guest In Her Room

Hotel Clerk Arrested For Attempting to Rape Guest

KCTV 5 has reported that a hotel worker was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a guest at Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection by Hilton located at 106 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105. 

On December 17, 2021, at around 4 a.m., a female guest was awoken by a man attempting to rape her. She fought back and said the voice was familiar. Earlier the night before, she had drinks at the hotel bar and interacted with one of the hotel clerks, who she said the voice resembled.

The police investigation determined that Fletcher Clardy, III, the hotel clerk, created a key for the victim's room. He then was seen going into the elevator before entering her room, according to hotel records. Clardy has been charged with a felony of attempted rape. 

Can I Sue For Being Sexually Assaulted in a Hotel?

Attorney contributor Reed Martens has offered some insight on the legal rights available for victims of sexual assault. Reed is an experienced sexual assault attorney who represents victims in civil lawsuits. Below he answered, "Can I sue for being sexually assaulted in a hotel?"

"Hotels have a legal duty to protect both its guests and staff while they are on their property. Sadly, these establishments can be targets for sexual assault as they provide easy entry and exit for perpetrators. Victims are often vulnerable, giving predators a better opportunity to abuse them. However, it is the responsibility of the hotel owner to reduce the risk of preventable crimes. This may involve conducting background checks on their staff, installing video monitoring systems, and having security patrol the property. If a hotel owner fails to provide a level of security, they can be held accountable for their negligence."

"Victims sexually abused in a hotel should know they may have rights to pursue a civil lawsuit. By hiring an experienced sexual assault attorney, an investigation will determine if the hotel owner could have prevented the crime if they had provided ample security. However, if previous crimes had taken place on or around the property without the security being increased, the hotel owner would be considered negligent. In cases of negligence, the victim may have sufficient ground to pursue a civil lawsuit and possibly even receive compensation."

Sources:

KCTV 5