Two men were recently arrested for human trafficking and exploitation of a 13-year-old girl in a Central Florida motel room.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from the victim’s sister, who had received a voice message from the child indicating she was in danger at the A1 Motel in Tampa. Deputies immediately responded and rescued the 13-year-old girl who was being held and exploited inside a motel room.
At the scene, 28-year-old Marlon Alfaro-Alvarez attempted to flee through a bathroom window. He was quickly detained, along with 25-year-old Floyd Amaya Garvin, who was inside the room with the child.
An investigation revealed that the suspects had communicated with the victim via social media, picked her up under false pretenses, and took her to a gas station before bringing her to the motel. Despite her repeated requests to go home, the suspects physically prevented her from leaving the room and offered her money in exchange for sex.
The victim secretly recorded a message asking for help and sent it to her sister, who immediately contacted authorities.
The suspects now face multiple felony charges, including human trafficking.
Alfonso-Alvarez was charged with Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity (Victim Under 18), Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition, False Imprisonment, Contributing to the Delinquency or Dependency of a Minor, and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.
Amaya Garvin was charged with Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity (Victim Less Than 18), Contribute to Delinquency or Dependency of Child, and False Imprisonment (on Child).
“This child was lured, isolated, and targeted by adults who made the deliberate choice to exploit her. Their actions were not impulsive — they were predatory and calculated,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thanks to the bravery of this young victim and the swift response of our deputies, we stopped these men before they could cause even more harm. Let this be a clear message: in Hillsborough County, we don’t turn a blind eye to those who prey on children — we turn the full force of the law against them.”
The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be filed, according to local law enforcement.