News Summary
In a disturbing case, two suspects have been arrested for human trafficking in Tampa after a 13-year-old girl was rescued from a motel room. The girl’s sister alerted authorities after receiving a distressing message. Law enforcement found one suspect attempting to escape, while the other was still in the motel room with the victim. Both men face multiple felony charges. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of human trafficking and the importance of vigilance and rapid response.
Tampa, Florida – Two men have been arrested for human trafficking after a 13-year-old girl was rescued from a motel room where she had been held against her will. The incident took place at the A1 Motel in Tampa, following a distressing phone call made by the victim’s sister.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call on Saturday, May 31, after the girl’s sister received a voice message from her, indicating that she was in danger. Deputies responded promptly to the motel upon receiving the call.
When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they found one of the suspects, Marlon Alfaro-Alvarez, 28, attempting to escape through a bathroom window. The other suspect, Floyd Amaya Garvin, 25, was discovered inside the room with the victim. Both men are now facing multiple felony charges, including those related to human trafficking.
The investigation has revealed that the suspects had been communicating with the victim through social media platforms. Misleading her with false pretenses, the men had picked up the girl and taken her to the motel. Before arriving at the motel, they had also stopped at a gas station. The victim had repeatedly asked to go home, but the suspects allegedly prevented her from leaving and offered her money in exchange for sexual acts.
The girl displayed remarkable resourcefulness under distress, managing to secretly record a message asking for help and successfully sending it to her sister. Upon receiving the alarming message, the sister acted quickly by contacting the authorities, leading to the swift response by deputies.
The quick actions of the sheriff’s office brought a potential tragedy to a halt, as Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted how the behavior of the suspects was predatory and calculated. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case is ongoing, and further details may emerge as authorities continue to work through the evidence and testimonies.
Human trafficking remains a serious issue, with many victims, often minors, being exploited in similar ways across the country. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action when someone is in trouble, particularly in a world where online interactions can sometimes lead to dangerous real-life consequences.
As law enforcement officials continue their work, community organizations and advocates stress the importance of education about the signs of human trafficking and the steps to take if anyone suspects a trafficking situation. The protection of vulnerable individuals, particularly minors, remains a top priority for local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Action News
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking
- ABC News
- Google Search: Human Trafficking Statistics
- Click Orlando
- Google Scholar: Human Trafficking Awareness
- People
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- New York Post
- Google News: Human Trafficking Rescue
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
