12/22/2025
Updated case review in 2025: Corinna Slusser, an 18-year-old from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, was a vibrant former high school cheerleader with dreams of independence and travel, and her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and hope. Unbeknownst to anyone, Corinna was targeted, groomed, and brought to New York City for the purposes of trafficking by a career criminal, Yhovanny Peguero, in July 2017. On August 25, 2017, Peguero was arrested and charged with assaulting Corinna, marking a crucial step towards justice. Despite being on parole, Peguero was released the day after his arrest, highlighting the need for systemic change. A temporary order of protection (restraining order) was issued for Corinna following this assault. On September 20, 2017, she was reported missing after failing to return calls and messages, sparking a tireless search effort. Investigators traced her final known location to Queens, New York, where she is believed to have been trafficked, and her case has become a rallying cry for anti-trafficking advocates. Obtained final text messages revealed that the last individual she spoke with was Peguero shortly before her last ping in Queens, NY; although law enforcement did not release any phone records to family or the public. The final messages are believed to be in her investigation records obtained through Peguero's subpoenaed communications. The investigation into Peguero's involvement in Corinna's disappearance has been sealed. Early reports tied Corinna's disappearance to a s*x-trafficking network operating between Pennsylvania and New York. The NYPD and the FBI opened investigations, and federal prosecutors later charged Yhovanny Peguero, Marcus Wright, and Ishi Woney, all linked to the trafficking operation, in connection with promoting prostitution and related offenses. Woney was later convicted of trafficking Corinna and other women; however, he has not been considered a suspect in Corinna's actual disappearance. Peguero was eventually convicted on unrelated prostitution and assault-related charges, but authorities have never confirmed what happened to Corinna. Peguero was released early from federal prison in 2023 and is currently free; he is not a registered s*x offender. Despite these challenges, Corinna's family and advocates remain committed to seeking justice. Over the years, supporters and advocates have worked to keep Corinna's case in the public eye, sharing her story with outlets like ABC7NY, Newsweek, Keystone Cold Cases, True Crime Society, and WNEP's 'Missing' series. Law enforcement continues to classify her case as an active missing-person investigation, but officials have released little new information. Community vigils, awareness posters, and true-crime podcasts have kept her memory alive while highlighting the broader crisis of human trafficking. As of 2025, Corinna Slusser remains missing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD or the National Human Trafficking Hotline, or through Signal on her dedicated private confidential tip line.