Florida psychologist arrested and accused of human trafficking of teenager

A Florida psychologist was arrested on human trafficking charges after police said she abused a 15-year-old girl and attempted to pressure her into having sex with at least two men.

Maria Ximena Duarte, a 45-year-old psychologist from North Miami, appeared in court Monday after being arrested Sunday, according to Local 10.

She wore a suicide prevention vest in the courtroom and her mug shot shows her visibly crying, the source said.

Miami-Dade District Court Judge Mindy Glazer called the allegations “horrific,” while Duarte responded, “I'm a psychologist and I have a doctorate. I'm going to lose my license and my life. I need help. I didn't even touch or kiss that girl.”

The police report states that the psychologist met the girl last Tuesday at the pool of the Aloft Miami Dadeland hotel while the girl was walking her dog and was able to quickly gain her trust by identifying herself as a psychologist, Local 10 reports.

According to the source, the report states: “The victim became friends with (Duarte) and confided in her about problems from her personal life. He was told that they had common life experiences.”

Police allege that the psychologist offered the underage girl marijuana and alcohol from the hotel bar, but she refused. She then allegedly told the girl to “come back to her hotel room later that evening.”

Authorities say the girl went to Duarte's room the next day, and the psychologist then allegedly took photos of her and sent them to a man named Pablo. He said the teen was 21 and willing to have sex with him. The girl allegedly said she wasn't ready to get involved in anything like that, but Duarte continued to insist, the report said.

Duarte's boyfriend, a name named Jason, reportedly arrived at the scene and she began to leave the room, although the girl objected to being left alone with the man.

Duarte is accused of forcing the girl back inside and telling her to “stay and make sure Jason is okay” while she closed the door.

Authorities say the girl went to the bathroom and came out after some time, where Jason exposed himself while asking her for sex. When she refused, he forced her to perform a sexual act, police said.

The girl reported the incident the next day.

According to Local 10, investigators wrote that the girl said Duarte would “trade sex for drugs to satisfy her drug addiction.” Police said when they found Duarte at the hotel on Sunday after her arrest, she appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

In court, she was charged with human trafficking, lewd and lascivious exhibition of a child under 16, lewd and lascivious assault and interference with custody.

According to Local 10, she was ordered to remain incarcerated at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center without bail until her next court date and was also ordered to have no contact with the juvenile and to stay away from her.

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