How an Airbnb guest accidentally uncovered a city-wide scandal
This website guides you through public court documents that prove an Airbnb 'Superhost' was running a years-long scam. The evidence shows that Airbnb, the Department of Licensing and Inspection, and the Philadelphia Municipal Court all failed to hold the scammer accountable. Collectively, this is referred to as ‘the evidence the judge ignored’.
Ready to #Readtheevidence ?
Step 1: Go to https://fjdclaims.phila.gov/phmuni/cms/search.do
Step 2: Select ‘Case Number (or CaseID)’ from the dropdown next to ‘Type’ and enter ‘SC2510245747’, without the quotes.
Step 3: Click on the Case Number that appears below in blue.
Step 4: Complete the captcha security checks.
Step 5: Scroll down to ‘8.’ and click on the white paper on the far right-hand side. Now you’re in the docket.
The evidence presented on this site originates from two primary sources: the official public docket of the Philadelphia Municipal Court case and the complete exhibit file submitted to the court, which is preserved here in its entirety. While the official docket is public, the specific documents and exhibits are often difficult for the public to obtain. Furthermore, the digital trail on platforms like Airbnb has been erased.
This website serves as a permanent, public archive to ensure that this evidence of unlicensed operation and the subsequent judicial proceedings remain transparent and accessible to all. We believe that for justice to be served, it must be seen.
Key Documents
Counterclaim, pages 6-9***
Exhibit A, pages 12-15
Exhibit B, pages 16-20***
Exhibit C, page 21
Exhibit D, pages 27 and 28***
Exhibit E, pages 29-34***
Exhibit F, pages 35 and 36
Exhibit H, pages 42 and 43
Exhibit I, pages 48 and 49***
Exhibit M, pages 62 and 63
*** denotes especially important documents
FAQs
Q1: What is this website about?
This website is dedicated to holding our courts accountable for misconduct and violations of due process. It’s also about keeping the public informed about what goes on outside of public view and how the actions, and inaction, of Philadelphia’s governing bodies can and do have very real consequences for individuals as well as communities.
Q2: What are the core issues with the court case?
The core issues concern a lack of due process, inadequate adherence to correct procedures, and the denial of a fair trial as a direct result of the Judge not reviewing 90% of the evidence. At the start of the hearing, evidence was presented demonstrating that proper service had not been completed. The judge chose to proceed anyhow despite lacking jurisdiction. Additionally, the judge handled two legally separate cases simultaneously, rather than hearing them one at a time, as required by law. This resulted in one case being erroneously entered as ‘withdrawn’ despite the plaintiff objecting to that outcome, and the financial reward that would have resulted being erroneously applied to the other case.
Q3: What are you hoping to achieve?
The goal is accountability and transparency. We are pursuing all available legal and administrative avenues, including refiling the original suit, filing a complaint with the Judicial Conduct Board, and reporting the process server who lied about completing service to the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.
Q4: What does "The Evidence the Judge Ignored" refer to?
It refers to the 72-page exhibit of evidence that formed the basis of a legal counterclaim for "Fraud and Misrepresentation" against the property owner and illegal Airbnb operator, Timothy K Sorensen. The exhibit, which includes public records from the Department of Licensing and Inspection, the Department of Health, and Airbnb, details how the host operated the property over the course of four years without any of the legally required city licenses, zoning, or certifications, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue in the process.
Q5: Why is this a public concern?
This case demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in judicial safeguards. Philadelphia Municipal Court Local Rule 111 exists to ensure that every defendant is properly notified of a lawsuit. This is the foundation of a fair hearing. Had this rule been upheld, the case would have been dismissed until the defendant could be properly served. When re-filed, the court would then have been required to assess the landlord's entire claim in light of the evidence in the 72-page exhibit.
A court that bypasses its own rules to reach a judgment undermines the integrity of the system and erodes public trust.
Likewise, illegal Airbnb rentals deprive the city of much-needed tax revenue that supports local schools, municipal services, and infrastructure.
Q6: What consequences, if any, has the illegal Airbnb operator faced?
The owner and operator of the Airbnb was reported to the site and has since had all four of his listings removed. In addition, he has been permanently banned from the site. He was reported to the Department of Licensing and Inspection in the summer of 2025, resulting in two failed short-term licensing inspections, fines, and the permanent shuttering of two of his units due to a lack of adherence to city zoning ordinances.
Q7: Who’s involved?
The case involves the owner of 1620 Mount Vernon St. and an Airbnb guest. The original hearing, which took place on November 4, 2025, was presided over by Judge Sharon Williams Losier of the Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Q8: What happens next?
Due to the Municipal Courts' failure to uphold due process and a fair evidence-based trial, the Airbnb guest is currently focused on educating the public about what has transpired and its impact on the city and its residents. That being said, the guest is in the process of refiling the original lead and fraud suit, which was erroneously withdrawn by the judge. Additionally, the former Airbnb guest is actively pursuing other avenues to help disseminate this information beyond city and state limits.
Wanna join the movement ?
Are you a social justice warrior and/or concerned Philadelphia resident?
Do you want to help expose the corruption of Airbnb, City officials, and our judicial systems?
If so, fill out the form and tell us why this cause is important to you.
If you’d like to make a donation to help offset the cost of maintaining this website and/or ongoing legal costs, the you can send your donation to Zelle @ 2026804331.
Your support is greatly appreciated. ✊🏽