Man Says ‘Devil Made Him’ Molest Teen Boy in Miami Church Bathroom, Police Say
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A Cutler Bay man was arrested this week after police say he molested a 13-year-old boy inside a Miami church bathroom and later told officers “the Devil made him do it.” According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, Alvaro Moises Rios, 54, faces two felony charges of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child between 12 and 16 years old and lewd and lascivious conduct on a child under 16.
Incident at St. Agatha Catholic Church
Investigators say the incident happened on October 5 inside a restroom at St. Agatha Catholic Church, located on Southwest 107th Avenue in West Miami-Dade.
The 13-year-old victim told police he went to wash his hands before church services began when Rios, an acquaintance, entered the restroom. According to the arrest report, Rios began rubbing the boy’s back and touching him over his clothes before grabbing him by the neck, kissing him on the lips, and telling him he was “beautiful.” The victim said he ran out of the bathroom and immediately told his mother and a family friend, who then contacted police.
Suspect Confessed, Police Say
When detectives questioned Rios, he reportedly confessed to the assault, saying that “the Devil made him do it.” He was taken into custody early Wednesday and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, according to Miami-Dade Corrections records. Rios was expected to appear before a judge later in the day. Authorities have not said whether he had prior arrests or if additional victims are suspected.
Church Response and Investigation
Officials with St. Agatha Catholic Church and the Archdiocese of Miami said they are cooperating fully with investigators. Church leaders did not immediately issue a public statement but confirmed that Rios did not hold an official role within the parish. Detectives from the Miami-Dade Police Special Victims Bureau continue to investigate. They are asking anyone with information about Rios or similar incidents to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous.
Legal Consequences
Under Florida Statute 800.04, lewd or lascivious acts involving minors carry sentences of up to 30 years in state prison for each count. Rios remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
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