Man Charged in Ongoing Human Trafficking Investigation Could be a Suspect in 2018 Unsolved Murder

ADVENTURE COAST – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a human trafficking investigation in Beverly Hills, Florida, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This comes on the heels of several arrests made in connection with a case out of Hernando and Pasco Counties, earlier this week. But for one suspect, things could get a lot worse if Hernando County Investigators can tie him to home invasion murder that occurred in 2018.

According to the FDLE, agents arrested Dourian Emmanuel Butler, 28, of St. Petersburg, and Candy Lee Holmes, 38, of Beverly Hills, Florida. Butler and Holmes are each charged on one count of human trafficking for commercial sexual activity involving a child younger than 18 years old. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) continue to assist in the investigation.

Butler is also charged on three counts of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors, one count of traveling to meet a minor for sex and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device. The St. Petersburg Police Department assisted in Butler's arrest.

Holmes is also charged on one count each of child neglect, deriving support from proceeds and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. The CCSO assisted in Holmes' arrest.

On Wednesday, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco announced a series of arrests in a large human trafficking case, which stemmed from a 16-year-old survivor. Sheriff Nocco was joined by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis, as his agency assisted PSO with this case.

During the press conference, Nocco identified 12 suspects who are charged with various charges associated with Human Trafficking. Those charged are listed as, Mark Poore, 60, John Malley, 57, Timothy Colon, 38, Steven Graham, 43, Branden Dunn, 30, Alan Schiavo, 28, Deontre Poole, 37, Jaimi Manning, 36, Jeremy Francis, 27, Candice Tekdogan, 39, Jeremy Nanos-Sky, 30, and Pierre Williams, 30.

One of those arrested, 38-year-old Timothy Luis Colon of Spring Hill is facing one count of Human Trafficking in Pasco County, but he was originally arrested in Spring Hill on December 20, 2022 on numerous counts of Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault. R News broke the news of his arrest, after sources provided a tip of the alleged forthcoming charges. Colon was transferred to Pasco County on December 23rd to face charges in Pasco County.

After Colon's arrest, R News received tips that a female "business associate" was also going to face charges related to the human trafficking investigation. Sources say, 39-year-old Candice Tekdogan and Colon participated in sexually abusing the victim. Tekdogan is facing charges of Unlawful Sex with a Minor.

Tekdogan runs a pole dancing studio in New Port Richey called Evolution Pole Dance Studio. She has also worked for various strip clubs in the area.

After her release, Tekdagon took to social media, defending herself and placing blame on the victim. Tekdagon, who goes by Love Lee on Facebook writes, "...the police are not stating all the facts, they are making us sound like monsters. The girl claimed she was 20, looked 22-25 and acted as such." Tekdagon goes on to say, "She was extremely promiscuous and was the sexual aggressor. I know she did not consider herself a victim, the girl was having the time of her life..."

Since the arrests, R News received numerous tips from our confidential sources that say Timothy Colon is responsible for the 2018 home invasion and murder of 22-year-old Alek Smith. The crime occurred on October 16, 2018, at Smith's residence on Legend Street in Spring Hill. Officials say several armed gunmen entered the residence and beat and shot Smith to death, while his fiancé and 2-year-old daughter were in the home.

Sources say evidence is building against Colon and that witnesses may be preparing to provide testimony that Colon was involved in the homicide.

Anyone with information regarding the murder of Alek Smith or the ongoing human trafficking investigation is asked to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody said, "This is a horrific case, and it's the second human trafficking incident involving a minor that we have announced so far in February-just days after the end of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This week's announcement out of Pasco County and today's action by FDLE both involve multiple adults arrested for the human trafficking of a teenager. This should serve as a reminder that human trafficking is a year-round problem-one we will continue to aggressively confront head-on. I am thankful that law enforcement rescued the young victims in both of these cases. My Statewide Prosecutors will make sure the monsters who trafficked these teenagers pay for their crimes."

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Mark Glass said, "The safety of Florida's children is paramount, and criminals that traffic and prey on juveniles for sex and money cannot be tolerated in our communities. I appreciate the hard work of our agents and our law enforcement partners for putting these dangerous criminals behind bars so the victim can seek justice."

Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said, "Human trafficking suspects are society's most heinous of criminals. Anyone who devalues life to this degree, especially that of an innocent child, will be held accountable for their appalling actions. Taking away a child's innocence for profit and sexual gratification is repulsive and inhumane. These vile suspects should never be allowed to walk free again in our communities."