Florida man accused of trafficking women at a Dauphin County hotel

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – A Florida man has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly trafficking women for sexual exploitation at a Dauphin County hotel

Kerien Smith, 44, allegedly gave the women drugs for having sex with other men at the Roadway Inn in Swatara Township, according to charges filed by Lower Swatara Township police.

The five-page grand jury presentation said Smith also raped the one woman multiple times, including at gunpoint while she was in the shower.

On October 3, 2018, an undercover officer spoke to two women after arranging sex for money, and they reported that Smith was their “boss” and forced them into “acts of prostitution,” according to Presentment. The detective saw text messages between one of the women and Smith about bringing drugs and sexual items, prompting him to ask how much they made from them.

According to charging documents, the detective went to Smith’s Penbrook home and watched as he arrived at the hotel, where he was taken into police custody. Police also found $5,195 in cash on Smith.

Cocaine and fentanyl found in Smith’s bag while he was at the booking center were “consistent” with the drug request, along with other sexual items he was asked to bring from the one woman, the presentation said.

When the women were interviewed in April 2023, investigators learned that one victim was buying drugs from Smith at his home and he told her she couldn’t leave but had to have sex in hotels for money, the presentation said. Smith told her he had people watching her and would question her if she tried to leave the hotel.

Investigators learned that the sexual encounters were arranged through a website and Smith would collect 90% of the money, the presentation said.

Smith faces multiple charges, including crimes against corrupt organizations, involuntary servitude, human trafficking, promoting prostitution and rape, forcible coercion, among other charges.

According to an online court document, Smith is currently incarcerated in the Dauphin County Jail, denied bail due to the nature of the charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 22.