Woman in Orange County Receives Dual Life Sentences for Trafficking Foster Care Runaways
An Orange County woman has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of human trafficking. Shana Bryant, 38, received her sentence on Tuesday, following her conviction earlier this month for exploiting runaways from the foster care system and coercing them into engaging in sexual acts for financial gain.
Under Florida law, human trafficking involving a minor mandates a life sentence for each offense. Bryant’s arrest occurred in December 2021, after a 15-year-old runaway sought assistance at Dr. Phillips Hospital earlier that year. The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation subsequently assumed control of the case upon recognizing the victim’s status as a human trafficking survivor.
According to investigators, Bryant, along with two accomplices, would approach vulnerable runaways and offer them temporary accommodation in hotels. However, once ensnared, the victims were coerced into performing sexual acts with paying customers. To ensure compliance, Bryant purportedly resorted to forced ingestion of drugs or alcohol if the victims refused to engage in such activities.
In February, law enforcement apprehended the two remaining suspects implicated in the operation. Tracy Koger, having pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communication device in September, received a 20-year prison sentence. Tyrell Ponds, the final suspect, is scheduled to stand trial on January 22.
In conclusion, the prosecution of Shana Bryant has resulted in a life sentence, underscoring the severity of her crimes. Her involvement in the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable runaways from the foster care system has exposed the dark underbelly of human trafficking within Orange County. The sentencing sends a strong message about the consequences awaiting those who engage in such heinous acts, while also highlighting the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat this pervasive issue.
