Detectives from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrested a couple for child abuse and child neglect of
a six-year-old.
The woman, 27 year-old Samantha Smith and her boyfriend, 30 year-old Cody Corbin, reportedly abused a 6-year-old child.
The investigation began on May 14, 2020 at a private residence when Smith was arrested for child abuse, after patrol deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated St. Petersburg. A Child Protection Worker and a Deputy located a 6 year-old child hiding under a bed in the house. The child had bruises to his face and back and told authorities that Smith would cover the bruises by using makeup. The child also told authorities that he was instructed to hide when law enforcement was present. The arrest affidavit indicated that the child was coached on what to say along with not providing any explanation about who injured him.
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 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.
The couple was arrested on Friday, June5 , 2020. 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.