An individual who claimed to be a psychologist developed a friendship with a 15-year-old girl, but later attempted to coerce her into engaging in sexual activities with two adult men.
Maria Ximena Duarte, 45, is currently incarcerated in Miami-Dade, Florida, facing serious charges related to the exploitation of a minor. The allegations include inappropriate behavior towards a child under the age of 16, as well as interference with custody.
Two individuals have been implicated in the alleged abuse, according to documents. According to Duarte’s arrest affidavit, one of them allegedly sexually abused the girl.
The documents only include the first names of the individuals. Law&Crime is refraining from disclosing their identities as they have not faced any charges. However, we have contacted the police for further information on these additional individuals.
The investigation is still ongoing, according to a spokesperson from law enforcement. The public defender’s office representing Duarte has chosen not to provide a comment.
Based on documents, the girl informed the police that she took her dog to the hotel’s pool area on Tuesday and encountered the defendant. Duarte reportedly established a connection with the teenager, swiftly earning her trust by disclosing her profession as a psychologist. The girl developed a sense of trust with the defendant and opened up to her about personal matters. They discovered that they had similar life experiences.
However, Duarte reportedly provided the girl with a marijuana cigarette and some alcoholic beverages. The teenager chose not to consume the alcohol, instead spending time in the hotel room and occasionally going back home before returning the next day.
On Wednesday, though, Duarte reportedly captured images of herself and shared them with a man, claiming that the girl was of legal age and consent to engage in sexual activity with him.
Despite her refusal, the girl made it clear that she did not identify with the behavior described in the affidavit. Duarte reportedly disregarded her and persisted. Based on the documents, it is alleged that the defendant engaged in sexual activity with another person while in the presence of a teenager, and provided her with a phone to record an explicit act. Based on the documents, the defendant carried out the action “while informing the victim that she was providing instruction.”
Duarte’s boyfriend reportedly showed up at the hotel room, prompting her to leave in an effort to leave the girl alone with him. Despite the girl expressing her discomfort, Duarte insisted that she returned to the hotel room and instructed her to please the man, according to documents.
The girl, by herself in the room, entered the bathroom and began using her phone. Later, she encountered a man who had exposed himself and was engaging in inappropriate behavior, inviting the victim to engage in sexual activity with him, as stated in the documents.
Despite her refusal, Duarte’s boyfriend forcefully grabbed her by the back of her head and neck, as stated in the affidavit. Documents detail a disturbing incident of sexual assault.
During her stay in the room, the girl discovered that Duarte engaged in the exchange of sexual favors for drugs, as a means to fulfill her addiction.
During the police interview, Duarte displayed a confrontational and uncooperative attitude, possibly influenced by the effects of an unidentified substance.