Florida Psychologist Arrested: Shocking Undisclosed Details in Teen Trafficking Case

A Florida psychologist has been taken into custody on charges of trafficking a teenage girl, igniting calls for stricter vetting and oversight in the profession.

At a Glance

A Florida psychologist, Maria Ximena Duarte, has been arrested on human trafficking charges.
Duarte allegedly groomed a 15-year-old girl and pressured her into sexual activities.
She appeared in court wearing a suicide prevention vest.
Duarte denies the accusations, claiming she never touched the girl.
Calls for stricter background checks and oversight in the profession have intensified.

Psychologist Arrested on Human Trafficking Charges

Maria Ximena Duarte, a licensed psychologist in Florida, has been arrested on charges of human trafficking and other related offenses involving a 15-year-old girl. The arrest has shaken the local community and cast a dark shadow over the profession, leading to urgent discussions about necessary reforms and stricter vetting processes.

The allegations against Duarte are grave. Authorities claim that she groomed the teenage girl, attempting to pressure her into sexual activities with at least two men. According to sources, Duarte met the girl at a hotel pool, identified herself as a psychologist, and quickly gained her trust.

THIS JUST IN: Miami-Dade police have arrested the boyfriend of a psychologist accused of trafficking a 15-year-old girl at a Kendall hotel; he's facing a sexual battery charge and two other felonies. https://t.co/qr9MXLdygf

— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) August 21, 2024

The Court Proceedings

Duarte appeared in court wearing a suicide prevention vest, visibly distressed. Judge Mindy Glazer described the accusations as “terrible.” Duarte has pleaded not guilty, fervently denying any physical contact with the girl. “I need help. I’ve never even touched that girl or kissed her,” she stated in court.

The situation escalated further after Duarte allegedly offered the girl marijuana and alcohol, which she declined. Duarte is also accused of taking compromising photographs of the girl and sending them to a man named Pablo, falsely claiming the girl was 21 and consenting to sex. The girl bravely reported the incident the next day, which led to an investigation and Duarte’s subsequent arrest.

Miami-Dade psychologist among two arrested for trafficking a 15-year-old girl: police https://t.co/jWXsmH0IJ2

— Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) August 21, 2024

Demand for Reforms

The arrest of Maria Ximena Duarte has ignited calls for more stringent oversight and background checks in professions with significant influence over vulnerable individuals. There is a growing consensus that the current vetting processes are insufficient and leave room for potential abuses of power.

“I’m a psychologist, I’m a PhD. I will lose my license and my life. I need help. I’ve never even touched that girl or kissed her,” said Duarte.

Duarte faces multiple charges, including human trafficking, lewd and lascivious exhibition of a child under 16, lewd and lascivious battery, and interference with custody. She is currently being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and has been ordered to have no contact with the teenage girl. As the investigation continues, it stands as a grim reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding mechanisms in protecting society’s most vulnerable.

Resources for victims of sexual abuse and child abuse are available, including hotlines and websites offering support. The public defender’s office representing Duarte has yet to comment on the issue.