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Miami jury convicts psychologist of offences against vulnerable teenager
A Miami jury convicted psychologist Maria Duarte of offences involving a vulnerable 15-year-old girl she had approached while the teenager was walking her dog in August 2024. Prosecutors said Duarte used the girl’s difficult home life and her professional background to manipulate her, making the case significant for its allegations of exploitation by someone presenting herself as a source of help.
Jurors found Duarte guilty of lewd and lascivious exhibition, a felony, and an unnatural and lascivious act, a misdemeanour, but acquitted her of human trafficking. Her boyfriend, Jason Mojica, pleaded guilty to having sex with the girl, testified against Duarte and received seven years in prison followed by probation. Duarte denied wrongdoing; she was returned to jail after the verdict and faces up to 15 years in prison, with sentencing due in January.
In short
- A Miami jury convicted psychologist Maria Duarte of two offences involving a 15-year-old.
- Jurors acquitted her of human trafficking but found her guilty of other charges.
- Duarte faces up to 15 years in prison, with sentencing due in January.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Female psychologist offered to help vulnerable girl aged 15 – then brought her to hotels to have sex with men instead”.