Psychologist Arrested in Florida
North Miami, FL — A 45-year-old psychologist, Maria Ximena Duarte, was arrested on Sunday in connection with human trafficking allegations involving a minor. Duarte appeared in court on Monday and expressed concern about the implications of the charges on her professional life.
Allegations
Authorities report that Duarte met a 15-year-old girl at a hotel last week. It is alleged that Duarte gained the girl’s trust and later invited her to her hotel room.
Authorities say the girl went to Duarte’s room the next day, and the psychologist then allegedly took pictures of her and sent them to a man named Pablo, saying the teen was 21 and willing to have sex with him. The girl reportedly said she was not willing to engage in such a thing, yet Duarte continued to insist.
Duarte’s boyfriend, named Jason, reportedly arrived at the scene and she began to leave the room, despite the girl’s objections to being left alone with the man. Duarte is accused of pushing the girl back inside, telling her to “stay and make Jason feel good,” as she closed the door. Authorities say the girl went to the bathroom and after some time, came back out to find Jason having exposed himself while inviting her to have sexual intercourse with him. After she declined, he forced her to perform a sex act on him, police say.
The minor then left and reported the incident to the police, prompting the arrest.
Legal Proceedings
The North Miami psychologist has since been arrested on charges related to human trafficking after allegations surfaced that she sought to exploit a 15-year-old girl. Maria Ximena Duarte, 45, was taken into custody on Sunday and appeared in court on Monday, facing several serious charges. Duarte was seen visibly emotional during her court appearance, where Judge Mindy Glazer described the allegations as extremely concerning. Duarte, a licensed psychologist, expressed her distress, stating, “I’m a psychologist. I will lose my license and my life. I need help.”
Details of the Allegations
According to the arrest report, Duarte met the teenage girl at the pool of the Aloft Miami Dadeland hotel last Tuesday. Police allege that Duarte quickly gained the girl’s trust by sharing her profession and suggesting they had similar experiences. The report states that Duarte offered the girl alcohol and marijuana, which the girl declined. Duarte is accused of inviting the girl to her hotel room later that evening, where further inappropriate conduct allegedly took place.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Duarte is facing multiple charges, including human trafficking, lewd and lascivious exhibition, and interference with custody. She is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bond, with a court order prohibiting her from contacting the teenage girl. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of minors and the measures needed to prevent exploitation.
Further legal proceedings are expected as the case develops.
Duarte faces multiple charges, her arrest has shocked the local community, particularly given her position as a licensed psychologist. Human trafficking charges against a mental health professional have heightened concerns about the vulnerability of individuals who seek help from trusted figures.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into Duarte’s actions, and law enforcement has not ruled out the possibility of additional charges. Officials are also working to determine whether there may be other victims.
The case underscores the ongoing issue of human trafficking in Florida, a state that ranks among the highest in the nation for such crimes. Advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies have been increasing efforts to identify and rescue victims, many of whom are minors, while seeking to hold traffickers accountable.
Anyone with further information about Duarte’s case is encouraged to contact the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Special Victims Bureau or Crime Stoppers. Duarte is expected to remain in custody until her next court hearing, where more details of the investigation may emerge.
