FBI arrest Cornelius Lykes, aka Premo Finesse in human trafficking ring all along east coast
A Greenville, South Carolina man is accused of promoting prostitution, facilitating prostitution activity in locations throughout the East Coast and faces several charges including human trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, according to Alphonso Norris with the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
Authorities identified Cornelius Shontea Lyles, a.k.a. Premo Finesse, 38, as a central figure in their investigation and man is now facing charges of human trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; transportation of another for the purpose of prostitution; coercion and enticement for the purpose of prostitution; and using facilities of interstate commerce to promote prostitution,
He was arrested on Wednesday, Norris said.
Photo/Sawso.org
Norris detailed the complaint filed against Lyles: he communicated with a person he believed to be an out-of-state female and bought a plane ticket for her to fly to Orlando, Florida, where she would engage in prostitution and provide the proceeds to Lyles.
The complaint also said Lyles facilitated and otherwise directed prostitution activity in various locations throughout the East Coast of the United States.
Search warrants were executed on a vehicle used by Lyles and his home in Simpsonville, Norris said.
If convicted on all charges, Lyles faces life imprisonment.
“Human trafficking is proven not to be a problem in a distant location, but right here in South Carolina,” Norris said. “I want to commend the efforts of all the agents and officers who worked on this investigation. Being able to stop the horrific exploitation of these women is a gratifying result for all the investigators.”
Norris said anyone with information about Lyles is asked to contact the FBI at 803-551-4200, their local police department or 911 if it is an emergency.
People who are or believe they may be victims of human trafficking may call or text the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-373-7888. This hotline provides assistance with connecting to anti-trafficking services in the area of the caller and is not a government entity, law enforcement or an immigration authority.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Spartanburg Police Department and Greenville Police Department.
photo/ Klaus Hausmann via pixabay
