Adriane Moen, a single mother facing financial difficulties, met a man on a dating app, hoping for love. However, what began as a romantic encounter soon turned into a nightmare. According to court documents, the Chicago man suggested Moen start using a website known for sex work. He later forced her into continuous sex work, taking up to sixty percent of her earnings. In a federal lawsuit in Illinois, Moen alleged this man was her trafficker.
Legal Victory
Moen has achieved a $50 million judgment against her alleged trafficker. This decision is a rare legal victory and sets a precedent for other survivors seeking justice. “I am grateful that someone believed me and that I finally received justice,” Moen expressed to the Tribune via email. Even if she doesn’t receive the full amount, the court ruling is a significant step for her.
Judge’s Remarks
U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow described Moen’s ordeal as “among the most reprehensible possible.” She emphasized the severe harm Moen endured. Both federal and state laws enable trafficking survivors to seek compensation in civil courts from perpetrators. However, cases often involve suing hotel chains or digital platforms to secure settlements. Moen’s case is unique, as she sued her alleged trafficker directly, marking a legal first in Illinois, according to her lawyers.
Moen’s Legal Journey
Filed in 2025, the case against John Woolridge, whom Moen met in 2012, began in the Central District of Illinois. The Tribune was unable to reach Woolridge for comments, and he has not engaged in the legal process. After meeting Woolridge, Moen found herself in a typical trafficking situation: vulnerable and seeking financial support, she was pressured into sex work.
“Trafficking isn’t just being locked in a warehouse,” Moen emphasized. “It can happen within a relationship. For some, it’s all about the money.”
Woolridge allegedly posted ads, set prices, and demanded a significant cut of Moen’s income. When she resisted, he became abusive. She was eventually coerced into seeing numerous men weekly in different states and endured both abuse and arrests for prostitution.
Getting Out
Moen managed to escape the abusive cycle by 2015, moving in with her father in Moline. She estimated that she had given around $420,000 to Woolridge. Her advocacy began after realizing, with the help of therapy, that she was a trafficking victim. With the support of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation and legal help from Chapman and Cutler LLP, she filed her lawsuit.
A Step Forward for Survivors
Legal director Elizabeth Payne noted that even if Woolridge lacks $50 million, the judgment serves as a lifelong burden. She explained the case’s importance in addressing the impact of sex trafficking. Moen, now residing in Rock Island, has become an advocate for survivors. She encourages others to come forward, stating, “It’s ok to tell someone, regardless of the situation.”