A 13-year-old Florida girl’s secret voice memo to her sister foiled two predators’ sinister trafficking scheme, leading to their arrest after they lured her through social media to a Tampa motel where they offered money for sex and physically restrained her.
Key Takeaways
- Marlon Alfaro-Alvarez, 28, and Floyd Amaya Garvin, 25, were arrested on multiple felony counts including human trafficking after luring a 13-year-old girl to a Tampa motel.
- The victim managed to secretly record and send a voice memo to her sister indicating she was being held against her will, leading to her rescue.
- The suspects contacted the victim via social media, picked her up under false pretenses, and physically restrained her while offering money for sexual acts.
- One suspect attempted to flee when deputies arrived but was apprehended; both men now face multiple serious charges as the investigation continues.
Teen’s Quick Thinking Leads to Rescue
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office successfully rescued a 13-year-old girl from a human trafficking situation on May 31 after she used technology to alert her family to her dire situation. Deputies arrested Marlon Alfaro-Alvarez, 28, and Floyd Amaya Garvin, 25, at the A1 Motel in Tampa where they had taken the young victim. The girl had been lured by the men through social media platforms before being transported to the motel where they attempted to coerce her into sexual activities in exchange for money.
When the victim’s pleas to be taken home were ignored and she was physically restrained, she managed to secretly record a voice message indicating she was in danger and sent it to her sister. This quick thinking proved crucial, as her sister immediately contacted 911, providing enough information for law enforcement to pinpoint the victim’s location. When deputies arrived at the motel, Alfaro-Alvarez attempted to escape but was quickly detained, while Garvin was found in the room with the child.
Predatory and Calculated Actions
Sheriff Chad Chronister did not mince words when describing the perpetrators’ actions against the young victim. “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, Hillsborough County Sheriff.
According to authorities, the suspects’ scheme began with contact via social media. They picked up the girl under false pretenses, took her to a gas station, and then to the motel room where the situation escalated. Despite her consistent requests to be taken home, the men physically restrained her and offered money in exchange for sexual acts. The victim’s presence of mind to record and send a plea for help likely prevented a far worse outcome, as trafficking situations typically become more dangerous the longer they continue.
Severe Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Both suspects now face serious legal consequences for their actions. Alfaro-Alvarez has been charged with human trafficking, lewd and lascivious molestation, false imprisonment, and resisting an officer without violence. Garvin faces charges of human trafficking, contributing to the delinquency of a child, and false imprisonment. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains active and additional charges may be forthcoming as they uncover more details about the suspects’ activities.
“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,” said Chronister.
This case highlights the increasing problem of traffickers using social media platforms to target vulnerable minors—a growing concern for law enforcement nationwide. President Trump has consistently advocated for stronger measures against human trafficking and harsher penalties for those who prey on children. The successful rescue of this young victim underscores the importance of vigilance from both parents and children regarding online interactions, and demonstrates how technology, when used wisely, can be lifesaving in dangerous situations.
