News Summary
In a shocking incident at the A1 Motel in Tampa, two men have been arrested on multiple felony charges, including human trafficking, after attempting to exploit a 13-year-old girl. The situation unfolded following a distressing 911 call made by the victim’s sister. Law enforcement swiftly apprehended the suspects, who had lured the victim through social media and confined her against her will. This case highlights ongoing efforts in the region to combat human trafficking and support victims with resources from local organizations.
Tampa, Florida – Two men, Marlon Alfaro-Alvarez, 28, and Floyd Amaya Garvin, 25, have been arrested and face multiple felony charges, including human trafficking, following a rescue operation for a 13-year-old girl at the A1 Motel in Tampa. The operation commenced after a distressing 911 call was made by the victim’s sister on May 31, 2025.
The situation unfolded when the young girl sent a voice message to her sister, indicating she was in peril at the motel. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Alfaro-Alvarez attempting to escape through a bathroom window while Garvin remained inside the motel room with the girl. Their immediate apprehension led to a swift investigation, revealing details of how the suspects had lured the victim through social media under false pretenses.
Reports indicate that after picking up the young girl, the suspects transported her to a gas station before bringing her to the motel. During her time in captivity, the victim repeatedly requested to go home, but the suspects barred her from leaving and reportedly offered her money in exchange for sex. It was a recorded message she sent to her sister which prompted the emergency response.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister has labeled the actions of Alfaro-Alvarez and Garvin as “predatory and calculated.” Law enforcement is continuing to investigate the case, and further charges against the suspects may be forthcoming.
The incident is part of a broader effort to tackle human trafficking in the area. Just weeks prior, between April 21 and April 24, 2025, a multi-day undercover operation led to the arrest of fifteen individuals for soliciting sexual acts or attempting to engage with juveniles. During this operation, detectives posed as guardians of a juvenile and engaged with suspects online, leading to arrests for explicit communication and attempts to purchase sex. A total of twelve suspects were apprehended physically, while three others were arrested on warrants following the operation.
Earlier in the year, from January 23 to January 29, 2025, another operation resulted in the arrest of fifteen presumed human traffickers and the rescue of one victim. One major arrest from that operation was Trayvon Butler, 28, who faced charges including coercing individuals for commercial sex acts and transporting for prostitution.
Support for victims of these operations is a priority, and the non-profit organization Selah Freedom has been instrumental in assisting with housing placement for those rescued. This collaborative effort highlights the community’s role in combating this grave issue.
Law enforcement officials, including Sheriff Chronister, remain steadfast in their commitment to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and address the persistent issue of human trafficking in Hillsborough County. The ongoing investigations and operations demonstrate a rigorous approach towards ensuring that offenders are held accountable and that victims are provided the support they need.
As the investigation continues into the recent arrests, the community can expect further updates on the crackdowns on human trafficking and ongoing efforts to safeguard at-risk individuals from potential exploitation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tampa Authorities Rescue 13-Year-Old from Human Trafficking
Two Men Arrested for Human Trafficking in Tampa
Undocumented Immigrants Arrested in Florida Construction Sites
Trump Administration’s New Border Security Initiative
Surge in Human Smuggling Operations in Coral Gables
Florida Investigates Tate Brothers Amid Trafficking Charges
Additional Resources
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office News Release
- Fox 13 News: ZPD Announces Arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- Google Search: Human Trafficking Florida
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office News Release on Operation
