3 days ago
Secret recording leads to child trafficking victim's rescue after sister calls 911: HCSO
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A discrete message led to the rescue of a 13-year-old girl who investigators said was being held against her will at a Tampa motel.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said dispatchers received a 911 call from the victim's sister on Saturday, May 31. She told them she had received a voice message from her sister, and that the 13-year-old was in danger at the A1 Motel in Tampa.
Child tests positive for HIV after being sexually battered by Clearwater man: PCSO
Deputies immediately responded, and said they found one of the suspects, Marlon Alfaro-Alvarez, 28, climbing out of a bathroom window. Alfaro-Alvarez was detained, along with Floyd Amaya Garvin, 25, who officials said was inside the motel room with the 13-year-old girl.
Investigators learned the suspects and victim had been communicating over social media before they picked her up 'under false pretenses' and brought her to the motel, according to the sheriff's office.
The 13-year-old repeatedly asked to go home, but detectives said the suspects prevented her from leaving. The suspects then offered the child money in exchange for sex, authorities said.
At some point, and without the suspects knowing, the girl was able to record a voice message asking for help and send it to her sister. According to authorities, the girl's sister instantly called 911 after receiving the message.
The two suspects are now facing several charges.
Alfaro-Alvarez has been charged with the following offenses:
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
Resisting an Officer Without Violence
Amaya Garvin has been charged with:
Human Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Activity (Victim Less Than 18)
Contribute to Delinquency or Dependency of Child
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.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
