Corbin is a city of approximately 8,000 residents, located in both Whitley and Knox counties in the southeastern portion of Kentucky. Prostitution and sex trafficking activity have been well-documented in the city and surrounding unincorporated areas of the counties. This activity and the problems and ancillary crimes it generates result in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. Among the more serious problems associated with prostitution in the area is sex trafficking. For example, in 2020 six people were named in a federal indictment alleging their involvement in a sex trafficking conspiracy in Whitley, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, Madison, and Fayette counties over a four-year period.

In July 2017, two men faced prostitution, unlawful imprisonment and other charges after they allegedly lured two females (one a minor, 16 years of age) to a residence with an offer of drugs and money in exchange for sex and then refused to let them leave. Corbin Police officers arrested 31-year-old and 66-year-old men following an investigation into a complaint from an unidentified male that his sister was at a residence on East Woodland Acres off of Fifth Street Road in Corbin, and was being held against her will. Officers responded to the scene and attempted to make contact with the resident. Upon entering the residence, officers found the females, one of whom was 16 years of age, inside with the homeowner and another male. When officers asked about why the men did not open the door, they stated that there were people outside and they were afraid. When questioned about the offer to the females of sex in exchange for money and drugs, the suspects denied the allegations. One victim had text messages that one of the male subjects sent her offering money and drugs for sex with both of them. Once the females arrived at the residence, the teen told the men how old she was but that did not dissuade him. The men were each charged with second-degree unlawful imprisonment, prostitution, and third-degree unlawful transaction with a minor. Each defendant’s bond was set at $10,000 cash with the additional condition that they have no contact with the victims and not be within 500 yards of a school.