On May 29th, Scott Ross, a 34 year old, High School Grad Trip Tour Operator, was brutally assaulted by several employees at a well-known restaurant, “Senor Frog’s”, which is a “Carlos & Charlie’s” affiliate, while working in Cancun. More than likely, local graduates from your hometown will plan to visit “Senor Frog’s”. <BR> <BR>Scott had only just arrived at the restaurant and headed upstairs to their restroom. While securing the lock on the stall door, he noticed an employee of “Senor Frog’s” peering over the top of the stall. Within seconds, the employee forced the door open grabbing him by the throat and choking him, while banging his head against the back wall. He dragged him out of the stall and threw him to the floor, where 4-5 other employees started kicking and beating him. Scott, unable to speak at this point, and having difficulty breathing… felt them ripping his clothes off, leaving him naked, as they searched their contents, only to find about $30 worth of pesos and a hotel key. At this point, he was hoping they would take his money and leave, sparing his life, then one of the employees reached for his Tour Operator’s badge, tearing it off the cord from around his neck, read it and said, “Oh sh*t! We’d better get Lalo.” (Lalo Seven, manager) Scott, still being restrained, noticed one of the employees putting his clothes back on him, and then they physically dragged him downstairs. Lalo apologized and said; “My guys made a terrible mistake. Can I buy you dinner?” Scott did not accept, of course, instead returned to his hotel where he contacted the Police, who said, “This is not the first time this has happened. Thefts and fighting are a big problem at “Senor Frog’s”, their ideal prey have money or drugs.” The police advised him to seek medical attention for his injuries, which included a concussion, laceration, and multiple abrasions and contusions. <BR> <BR>The following day, Scott contacted Fernando Vega, with the US Consulate, who said, “Over 25% of all crimes committed in Cancun occurs at Senor Frog’s.” This statistic came as a surprise to him, since he has done business with them before without incident. All of the employees who participated in this crime are still employed at Senor Frog’s, as well as the one responsible for choking and causing his concussion. On June 5th, Scott contacted David Kurham (Lalo’s boss) employed by the Andersons Group. He, too, offered no help, only saying, “I was not made aware of the situation, until now. It sounds like an unfortunate incident.” <BR> <BR>Over the past 10 years, Scott has been responsible for bringing over 10,000 students and tourists to Cancun each year. We are shocked that such violent behavior is condoned at “Senor Frog’s”, and feel responsible to make others aware of the potential danger. <BR> <BR>(“Senor Frog’s” is an affiliate of “Carlos O’Brien’s” and “Carlos n’ Charlie’s”, all of which are owned by the Andersons Group.) <BR>

First thing-you should have titled the post- <BR>AVOID DRUG DEN KNOWN AS SEÑOR FROGS <BR>that would have made things somewhat clearer to start. <BR>Sorry to hear the Guy was a victim of Drug Related violence I've always maintained that Cancun was a rathole extraordinaire. <BR>Of course the management is in on the take from these 'Drug Dealer Ripoffs' that's SOP in all of Mexico. <BR>I'm not saying the Guy's a Dealer he was mistaken for one that's all. <BR>Nothing will happen to any of the Criminals who beat the innocenat victim BTW-and unless you have the resources to publicize a large Boycott of the place it'l be 'business as usual' for the foreseeable future.

You don't need alot of $$ to publicize this incident and let me not trivialize it by calling it an "incident" E-mailing and faxxing to travel agencies and groups is the easier way to publicze this story to other tour leaders who specialize in taking students down for a fun time.. Not being a college student or of that age I'm sure there are other fun spots in Cozumel or Puerta Vallarta among other places for kids to burn off energy if they must. I'm sure Scott will be passing the word on..

Never heard of anything close to that happening here in PV, not even at Sn. Frog's. <BR>JR

Question, If Scott had just arrived, what was he planning on spending his amazing amount of 30 pesos on? <BR>

You asked... Why did Scott only have about $30 worth of pesos on him? Well, being a Tour Operator does have its priviledges. Tour staff are not subject to cover charges at clubs and food & drinks are free, since they are promoting in their business in their travel package. Keep in mind, he brings about 10,000 students to Mexico each year.

Thank you for your candid comments and for opening my eyes. Unfortunately, we were naive to the "drug den" within. We tend to trust and respect others (and businesses) until proven otherwise. <BR>I guess you could say, "If the proof is in the pudding... he got his share of pudding that night! This is a 'wake-up' call for us. Our goal is to make others aware of the dangers. I agree with Parrot Mom, there are too many other fun places for students to go! <BR>Why expose them to this? There is no recourse for crime against tourists in Mexico. It's corrupt and it's all about pay-offs. Jose is right, it has been business as usual at Senor Frogs. I suspect that management will pay-off the officials, and nothing will change. <BR>Parrot Mom, yes, Scott and I are doing our best to notify others. Thank you for responding and offering your valued advise.

Keep up the pressure Susan, it's true that places like Sn. Frogs have too much ability to squash the truth. <BR>Have you tried getting this published in the US papers?

Thanks JR~ Yes I've tried several US newspapers, but no takers yet. As I watch the evening news on TV, I understand why our story seems trivial in the big picture, so I turned to the internet. <BR>

Thought I'd share an informative reply, this person knows more about what's happened lately, than I do, since I haven't heard from Scott in a couple of days! &lt;smile&gt; <BR>------- <BR>Susan, <BR>I don´t know this person--but you can forward him this and have him think <BR>about it. Why would the vice president of a tour operation, whose income relies <BR>almost solely on graduation trips to Cancun, Mexico, who has many friends in <BR>the local industry (restaurants, hotels, clubs, etc), risk the good name of <BR>Cancun for no good reason? Scott´s income is based almost entirely on students <BR>visiting Cancun. These student´s parents pay for these trips, and their number <BR>1 concern is safety. His paying customers are easily spooked by reports of <BR>crime in Mexico. Scott has been traveling here and basically residing here <BR>months at a time each year without incident, and now he is beaten almost to <BR>death in an attempted robbery by the people who are paid to protect his <BR>customers. The beating didn´t stop until his indentification was found. This <BR>man is risking his livelihood, and the livelihood of many of his close <BR>personal friends. He wouldn´t do that for no reason. Tell these skeptics to <BR>call Mr. Vela at the US Consulate in Cancun. Tell them to call David Kurham <BR>(883-1722), the managing owner who all the other owners say is going to make <BR>the decision on behave of Frog´s. They have offered Scott US$2000 to settle. <BR>This doesn´t even come close to his medical bills! This is not a dishonest or <BR>unfair person--All he is asking is for Frog´s to pay his medical bills, and <BR>compensate him for lost wages. We´re not talking tens of thousands of dollars <BR>here. Maybe he should do what anything else would do and demand a huge <BR>settlement to send them a message. Have these people who doubt call Scott´s <BR>biggest competitors--Dave Hunter (Get Travel Invasion), Charles Julian (Hot <BR>Spots), John Duby (USA Student Travel), Karim Kuzbari (Sun Splash Tours), <BR>Roger Gonzales (Student Club Vacation), Yorn Kay (Apple Vacations), etc etc <BR>etc etc. These people are responsible for bringing 100,000 plus visitors <BR>annually (and more could be named), and these are his fierciest competitors. <BR>Find one of them who would question Scott´s charactor and integrity. And these <BR>are people who compete with him to make a living. Tell these people to do <BR>their homework before they form an opinion. If they followed up, they would <BR>see the seriousness of this. This is horrible for all of us. Now, at an <BR>establishment that all our customers have heard of, that they all want to go <BR>to, we not only fear for their safety and well-being, but for ours. And we are <BR>the ones taking them the business. How could anyone in good conscience <BR>recommend someone going there? The people who make their money from this <BR>establishment could easily solve the problem by offering a realistic <BR>settlement, and perging the thugs and the managers that allow the thuggery. I <BR>would have them contact them. As for the forwarded information, I appreciate <BR>it. I will have it available to forward if this is not taken care of very <BR>soon. <BR> <BR>Take Care! <BR>Coach Miller

Talking of Cancún and thugs, see:- <BR>http://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/11/world/11CANC.html

Today, negotiations have been in the works with "the powers that be" for Senor Frogs. Ironically, David Kurham was nowhere to be found, just a front man, I suppose. My faith is slowly being restored, as they appear to be wanting to do "the right thing". I will know more tomorrow, and will let you know the outcome. Many thanks!

Thanks for the warning. I'll be in Cancun in two weeks and probably would have gone to Sr. Frogs because I know of them from Miami. Now, I will avoid the place. For what it is worth, you can tell the Sr. Frog's guys that they will definitely be losing business over this incident. I will be sure to spread the word.

Susan, I am very sorry to hear what happened. I have visited Senor Frogs in many places and always thought of them as the Applebees of Latin America. Seems I was quite wrong. <BR> <BR>May I suggest you contact the people that have any advertising affiliation with S.F.'s. And tell them you will go after them too, by starting a boycott and informing the public of their affiliation with a company that ignores these problems. The key to getting things down in this world with corporations is to hit them in their pocketbooks. <BR> <BR>Also, find out if this comapny is publicly traded. If so, buy a share in them. That way the next time they have a stockholders meeting you can attend and have the right to speak your mind. I'm sure other major shareholders do not want to hear that their investment is supporting this kind of behavior. Good Luck, and I hope that helps!

Dear Ken, <BR>I'm glad to hear you have a trip planned to Cancun, and hopefully it's for pleasure and not business. You will have a wonderful time, that's for sure! Thank you for your kind words of support and encouragement. What I have learned from this: Having the support and trust of Many, serves as a Very powerful form of justice for the Few. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Dear Greg, <BR>Thank you for taking the time to read our story and respond. You offered an insightful analogy, "...always thought of them as the Applebees of Latin America." You and I both. For this very reason, we are Demanding that changes be made to ensure future safety. Imagine, having to protect your patrons from your employees? Very strange and highly unusual, I would think. I will share your creative ideas with my husband, and know, they will be researched and exhausted. See, we've been keeping Frogs Very busy. "We" meaning, old friends in the industry and personal, and newfound friends in the public and media. Lately, Frogs has been in the "no comment" mode. <BR> <BR>Wondering... if they hadn't "cut off their nose to spite their face" would they be as willing to "do the right thing"? Since now, they are willing to negotiate a settlement, out of court, of course. &lt;smile&gt; <BR> <BR>I, later thinking... Oops, they must not want any of this to "get out". &lt;evil grin&gt; Always believing... patrons, people, and travelers should be "in the know". Now I am understanding why this happened to Scott, a high-profile Tour Operator, who is well-liked and respected by many... for a Very "powerful" reason. <BR>I suspect positive changes will be forthcoming at Senor Frogs.

Susan another thought came to mind. College students tend to be a very vocal and cause oriented bunch. <BR> <BR>Inform colleges through their local college papers of this. It sounds like Scott probably has all the contact names. Get them to boycott Senor Frogs. Hit them where in hurts in the pocketbook. Just a thought. <BR> <BR>I just hate how large corporations think they are above everyone else. Go get them. And I hope Scott is well.

Susan, It's really sad to hear this about Senor Frog's considering they make so much money off of springbreakers down there. I myself host a website about Cancun and Playa del Carmen. I know this might not help but I would suggest posting your report on other Cancun websites. This might help people relize what really goes on in Cancun. There's plenty of bad things that go on there people just don't here about them. Here's a few other website links if you would like to post your message. <BR> <BR>http://www.cancun.net/forum1 <BR> <BR>http://www.cancunmx.com <BR> <BR>http://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com <BR> <BR>Tommy

Susan if you are still out there I would be interested in hearing If Senor Frogs resolved this "unfortunate incident." It has been well over a month since there has been a posting from you. Did they pay up for the mugging and thugging done by their employees and the damage your husband received as a result of their hostile actions. My concern for your husband as a person who lives.works, and resides at this resort would be threats and intimidation for spilling the beans. It may be an open secret that this establishment has problems with the people who live in this resort but it may not go down so well when it becomes a public one on Fodor's Forum.

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