Miami psychologist acquitted of trafficking teen
The gist
A Miami jury acquitted psychologist Maria Duarte of trafficking a 15-year-old but convicted her of lewd and lascivious exhibition.
She faces up to 15 years at a Jan. 11 sentencing.
How it unfolded
- Aug 2024The case began when the 15-year-old was walking her dog near an Aloft hotel in Miami and Duarte approached and befriended her, according to police.
- Aug 13, 2024Duarte allegedly lured the 15-year-old to a drug-fueled party at the Aloft Hotel on SW 88th Street in Miami-Dade.
- recentlyDuarte was arrested on human trafficking, lewd and lascivious battery and interference with custody charges; co-defendant Jason Mojica was arrested on sexual battery and related charges. Duarte was out on house arrest since January.
Key terms
- lewd and lascivious exhibition
- Sexual behavior or conduct considered crude, offensive, or contrary to local moral standards of appropriate behavior.
- human trafficking
- Unlawful act of entrapping, transporting, or harboring people through force, fraud, or coercion to exploit them for profit.
- felony
- A crime traditionally considered more serious than a misdemeanor, often punishable by imprisonment or death.
Source: Wikipedia