Miami Psychologist Convicted After Allegedly Manipulating 15-Year-Old Girl Into Sexual Encounters With Adult Men

A Miami psychologist has been convicted of multiple sex-related offenses involving a 15-year-old girl after prosecutors accused her of exploiting the teenager’s trust and encouraging her to engage in sexual encounters with adult men.

Maria Ximena Duarte, 48, was found guilty by a jury on November 10, 2026, following a trial that exposed disturbing allegations about how the mental health professional allegedly became involved in the teenager’s life.

However, the jury acquitted Duarte of the most serious charge of human trafficking. She was convicted of lewd and lascivious exhibition and an unnatural and lascivious act. She now faces up to 15 years in prison.

According to prosecutors, the case began in August 2024, when Duarte encountered the 15-year-old girl while she was walking her dog near an Aloft hotel in Miami.

Investigators alleged that Duarte approached the teenager, struck up a conversation and gradually gained her trust. Prosecutors said the girl was experiencing difficulties at home and viewed Duarte as a supportive adult who genuinely cared about her.

Authorities argued that Duarte used her professional background in psychology to establish an emotional connection with the vulnerable teenager before allegedly taking advantage of that trust.

Prosecutors told jurors that Duarte eventually encouraged the girl to have sexual encounters with adult men, including Duarte’s boyfriend, Jason Mojica.

The prosecution also alleged that Duarte had sexual relations in front of the teenager and used the girl to bring men to the hotel, where sexual activity and drug use allegedly took place.

During the trial, prosecutor Justin Funck described how the teenager had come to believe that Duarte was someone who could help her through difficult circumstances.

According to the prosecution, that trust became a central part of the alleged exploitation.

Mojica, who was also implicated in the case, pleaded guilty to having sex with the minor and testified against Duarte. He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence followed by probation.

Another man, Hermes Mejia, also pleaded guilty in connection with the case and testified during the proceedings.

Despite the testimony and evidence presented by prosecutors, the jury ultimately rejected the human trafficking charge against Duarte while finding her guilty of two other offenses.

Duarte’s defense attorney, Robert Barrar, challenged the prosecution’s version of events and questioned the teenager’s account. The defense argued that the encounters were not the result of any manipulation by Duarte and maintained that she had simply offered the girl emotional support.

Duarte had been living under house arrest while awaiting trial. Following the verdict, Judge Ellen Sue Venzer ordered her to report to jail and remain in custody while awaiting sentencing.

Her sentencing is scheduled for January 2027. She faces a maximum possible prison sentence of 15 years.

In addition to the criminal case, Duarte has also lost her professional licenses, according to Florida records.

The verdict has drawn attention to the responsibility professionals hold when working with vulnerable young people, particularly those experiencing difficulties at home or seeking emotional support from adults they believe they can trust.

While the jury did not find Duarte guilty of human trafficking, the convictions on the remaining charges mark a significant outcome in a case involving allegations of serious misconduct toward a minor.

As Duarte awaits sentencing, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable teenagers and ensuring that adults in positions of trust are held accountable for criminal conduct.

Duarte has been convicted of the two offenses, while the jury acquitted her of the human trafficking charge.