A Miami jury delivered a guilty verdict on psychologist Maria Duarte, finding her guilty of lewd and lascivious exhibition and committing an unnatural and lascivious act involving a 15‑year‑old girl. The jury stopped short of a human‑trafficking conviction.

Prosecutors detail alleged manipulation

According to prosecutors, Duarte first approached the teenager in August 2024 while the girl was walking her dog outside a Miami hotel. Recognizing the teen’s troubled home environment, Duarte allegedly leveraged her psychology training to gain the girl’s trust, creating a false sense of security.

“She felt like she wasn’t alone, that someone cared about her,” prosecutor Justin Funck told the court, citing the psychologist’s calculated approach. Once trust was established, prosecutors said Duarte used the teen to lure adult men, including her own boyfriend, Jason Mojica, to a hotel room where sexual activity and drug use occurred.

Defendant’s boyfriend already serving sentence

Jason Mojica is currently serving a seven‑year prison term after pleading guilty to having sex with the minor. A second man involved in the case also pleaded guilty and testified against Duarte.

Defense argues teen’s consent

Duarte’s attorneys argued throughout the trial that the teenager participated willingly in the encounters, rejecting the notion of manipulation. They emphasized the lack of direct evidence that Duarte coerced the girl.

Immediate consequences

Following the verdict, Duarte’s freedom and professional career ended abruptly. Previously placed on house arrest, she was ordered to report to jail immediately. State officials have also stripped her of all professional licenses, effectively barring her from practicing psychology in Florida.

Duarte is scheduled to return to court for sentencing in January, where the judge will determine her prison term and any additional penalties.

Community reaction

The case has sparked concern among Miami residents about the vulnerability of minors and the ethical responsibilities of mental‑health professionals. Local advocacy groups are calling for stricter oversight of licensing procedures to prevent similar abuses.

While the conviction does not include a trafficking charge, the jury’s decision underscores the seriousness of exploiting a minor under the guise of professional care. The outcome serves as a reminder that those entrusted with the mental well‑being of youth must be held to the highest standards of conduct.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.