20-083 Detectives Arrest A St. Petersburg Couple For Child Abuse and Child Neglect Of A Six-Year-Old

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Crimes Against Children Unit

Samantha Smith (Suspect - Arrested)
DOB: 05/21/1993
Address: Unincorporated St. Petersburg
Charges: One count of Aggravated Child Abuse with Great Bodily Harm and one count of Child Neglect

Cody Corbin (Suspect - Arrested)
DOB: 06/09/1989
Address: Unincorporated St. Petersburg
Charges: One count of Child Abuse and one count of Child Neglect

The victim is a 6-year-old male. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1, no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit arrested a woman and her boyfriend for child abuse and child neglect after they abused a 6-year-old child for at least four years, in unincorporated St. Petersburg.

When:
The investigation began on May 14, 2020.

The suspects were arrested on June 5, 2020. 

Where:
The incidents occurred at a private residence in unincorporated St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
Detectives began their investigation on May 14, 2020, when 26-year-old Samantha Smith was arrested for child abuse, after patrol deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated St. Petersburg and found multiple injuries on a 6-year-old child that was in the home.

Detectives learned from the medical examination team that the child had multiple injuries and permanent scars on his body from being physically abused for at least four years.

Detectives determined Smith and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Cody Corbin, would physically batter and abuse the child by biting his shoulders and toes, pinching his penis, beating him with objects, and would punch and kick him, causing multiple bruises, injuries and permanent scars.

Smith would place makeup and temporary tattoos over the child’s injuries to conceal them, and never sought medical treatment for the child’s injuries.  

Detectives also stated Smith and Corbin would withhold food from the child as a form of punishment.

On Friday, June 5, 2020, detectives arrested Smith and Corbin and transported them to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Smith was charged with one count of Aggravated Child Abuse with Great Bodily Harm and one count of Child Neglect. Corbin was charged with one count of Child Abuse and one count of Child Neglect.

The investigation continues.

Smith booking photo

Corbin booking photo