A Florida couple is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to coerce a teenage girl into s*xual acts with one of the suspects. The Miami-Dade Police Department announced that Maria Ximena Duarte, 45, a licensed mental health professional, and Jason Mojica, 46, were arrested in connection with the disturbing incident that occurred last week.
According to police reports, Duarte met the unidentified 15-year-old girl on August 13 at a Miami hotel while the teen was walking her dog, according to People. Duarte allegedly introduced herself as a therapist, which led the girl to feel comfortable and confide in her about personal issues. The girl later informed authorities that Duarte was Mojica’s girlfriend.
As their interactions continued, Duarte allegedly offered the girl marijuana and alcohol, though the teen declined to drink. Over the following day, the girl reportedly visited the hotel multiple times, with Duarte allegedly providing her with marijuana on each occasion.
On August 14, the situation escalated when Duarte allegedly began taking photographs of the girl and sharing them with an adult man, falsely claiming the victim was 21 years old and willing to have s*x with him. Despite the girl’s refusal, Duarte allegedly dismissed her objections.
When the man arrived at the hotel room, the victim was allegedly made to record Duarte and the man engaging in s*xual activity. Duarte reportedly told the teen she was “teaching her,” according to the arrest affidavit. The man has not been charged in connection with this incident, so his identity is not being disclosed.
Later, Mojica allegedly arrived at the hotel room, and Duarte attempted to leave the teen alone with him, despite her insistence that she was uncomfortable. Mojica allegedly pressured the teen, telling her to “make [Mojica] feel good,” authorities said.
The situation came to light on August 18 when Miami-Dade police responded to a dispute between Duarte and her mother at the hotel. While the report does not specify if the dispute was related to the alleged incident, it led to the police becoming aware of the disturbing events.
Duarte has been charged with human trafficking, lewd and lascivious s*x acts, exhibition on a child, and interference with custody. During a court appearance, Duarte, who claimed to be a “psychologist,” expressed concern about losing her license and her life, denying the allegations, saying, “I’ve never even touched that girl or kissed her,” as reported by CBS Miami.
Mojica faces charges of s*xual battery, lewd and lascivious battery/s*x acts, and interference with custody. He was arrested on August 20 and has not yet entered a plea. The public defender’s office representing both Duarte and Mojica has declined to comment on the case.