Fourth arrest in human trafficking case

TREASURE ISLAND - Investigators say Kenyatta Cornelous, Edward Jones and Corinna Shaffer are guilty of horrific crimes: holding young women against their will and forcing them into prostitution.

"These young women were subjected to mental and physical abuse to include sexual battery," according to Capt. Teresa Dioquino of The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Monday investigators announced they had arrested a fourth person, Colin Dyer, who they've been looking for in connection with the alleged human trafficking ring.

"Thanks to help from the media, currently we do have Mr. Dyer in custody," added Dioquino.

Even with a fourth arrest, investigators say it's very early in the investigation and they can't release too many details in order to protect the victims.

They do say, young victims were lured in with the promise of a better life, but when they arrived at the Treasure Island home they faced a world of torture.

No one in the upscale Treasure Island neighborhood seems to know any of the three that lived in the home.

"I mean, we're a very tight knit neighborhood on Paradise Island, and to not know a neighbor is the unusual part," explained Clyde Smith, who lives across the street from the home.

Police say some of the victims were forced to dance at local clubs and perform sex acts. Shaffer's arrest affidavit names the Vegas Show Girls Club on Gandy Blvd. in the arrest. Investigators say more clubs are involved, though they won't give the details.

Investigators say this could be the first case of human trafficking involving American citizens in The Bay Area and possibly the state. They expect there will be more arrests.