A 13-year-old Florida girl’s secret voice message to her sister saved her from sex traffickers who lured her to a Tampa motel, offered money for sex acts, and physically restrained her when she asked to go home.
Key Takeaways
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Marlon Alfaro-Alvarez, 28, and Floyd Amaya Garvin, 25, on multiple felony counts including human trafficking, false imprisonment, and lewd and lascivious molestation.
- The teenage victim was targeted on social media, picked up under false pretenses, and taken to the A1 Motel in Tampa where she was offered money in exchange for sex.
- Despite being physically restrained when she repeatedly asked to go home, the girl managed to secretly record and send a voice message to her sister indicating she was in danger.
- Deputies responded to the 911 call and apprehended both suspects – one attempting to flee the scene and the other found with the victim in the motel room.
- Sheriff Chad Chronister praised the victim’s bravery and emphasized that Hillsborough County “turns the full force of the law against those who prey on children.”
Child’s Quick Thinking Leads to Rescue
The horrifying ordeal began when the victim was contacted through social media by the suspects who used deceptive tactics to isolate her from safety. After picking her up, the men took her to a gas station before bringing her to the A1 Motel in Tampa, where their true intentions became clear. When the young girl repeatedly asked to return home, her requests were denied as the men physically restrained her and offered money in exchange for sexual acts. It was during this terrifying situation that the victim demonstrated extraordinary presence of mind by secretly recording a voice message indicating her danger.
The victim’s sister received the alarming message on May 31 and immediately called 911, providing authorities with crucial information that led them to the motel. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a calculated attempt to evade justice – Alfaro-Alvarez tried to escape but was quickly detained, while Garvin was found with the child in the motel room. The swift response of law enforcement prevented what could have been an even more tragic outcome for the young victim, who was rescued and provided with appropriate care.
Sheriff’s Office Takes Decisive Action
On May 31, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an urgent call that would lead to the rescue of a 13-year-old girl from the clutches of human traffickers. The victim’s sister had received a voice message indicating the young girl was being held against her will at the A1 Motel in Tampa, Florida. This quick communication between siblings triggered an immediate law enforcement response that likely prevented a horrific outcome. When deputies arrived at the motel, they witnessed 28-year-old Marlon Alfaro-Alvarez attempting to flee through a window, while 25-year-old Floyd Amaya Garvin was found with the child inside the room.
The investigation revealed a disturbing sequence of events that began on social media. The men had strategically targeted the young victim online, using false pretenses to convince her to meet them. After picking her up, they took her to a gas station before bringing her to the motel room where she would be held captive. Despite the girl’s repeated pleas to be allowed to return home, the suspects physically restrained her and offered money in exchange for sexual acts, making their intentions unmistakably clear.
Technology Becomes Lifeline for Trapped Teen
“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.
The girl’s resourcefulness in the face of danger proved critical to her rescue. While being held against her will, she managed to secretly record a voice message asking for help and successfully sent it to her sister. This digital SOS provided authorities with the crucial information needed to locate her. Law enforcement’s swift response to the sister’s 911 call demonstrates how technology, when used effectively, can provide a lifeline in dangerous situations. The case highlights the essential role of digital communication in modern-day rescue operations.
Suspects Face Serious Charges
Both suspects now face multiple serious felony charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences. Alfaro-Alvarez has been charged with human trafficking, lewd and lascivious molestation, false imprisonment, and resisting an officer without violence. His attempt to escape through the window when law enforcement arrived clearly demonstrated consciousness of guilt. Garvin faces charges including human trafficking, contributing to the delinquency of a child, and false imprisonment. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has indicated the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as more evidence is uncovered.
“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,” Chronister added.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of human trafficking in our communities, particularly targeting vulnerable children through social media platforms. It also underscores the importance of teaching young people about online safety and having open lines of communication with trusted family members. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s decisive action in this case demonstrates the critical importance of law enforcement agencies taking human trafficking allegations seriously and responding with appropriate urgency when children are at risk.
