Sheldon Barber is behind bars and facing multiple human trafficking charges after investigators say he recruited and controlled at least four victims in a commercial sex operation in Tallahassee.
According to arrest documents, Barber was taken into custody Wednesday on charges related to activity that allegedly occurred between April 2023 and July 2024. Authorities allege he forced victims to engage in commercial sex acts and required them to give him all the money they earned.
Records state that Barber used violence and coercion to maintain control, including hitting victims, locking them in rooms, and depriving them of food. One victim told investigators she continued to engage in commercial sex acts at Barber’s direction even after he was incarcerated on unrelated charges.
Arrest documents further allege that several victims were branded to “symbolize ownership and loyalty” to Barber.
Barber is charged with four counts of human trafficking, four counts of deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, and four counts of using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
According to the Florida Department of Corrections, Barber was previously convicted in May 2025 on drug and weapons charges.
The investigation remains ongoing.
