In an exclusive interview with CBS 12 News, the police chiefs overseeing a human trafficking investigationare speaking publicly for the first time about how a
In an exclusive interview with CBS 12 News, the police chiefs overseeing a human trafficking investigation are speaking publicly for the first time about how a case that began in Boynton Beach expanded into a Boca Raton investigation involving an alleged victim with intellectual disabilities.
The investigation resulted in the arrests of 51-year-old Maximiliano Buitrago and 51-year-old Charlie Pardieck, who both face human trafficking-related charges.
“These allegations are heinous. They're absolutely heinous and downright sickening,” Boca Raton Police Chief Jarad Phelps said.
Maximiliano Buitrago, who is accused of human trafficking related charges, is pictured alongside a card investigators say he distributed near a schools in Boca Raton. (BRPD/BBPD)Boynton Beach Police Chief Joseph DeGiulio said investigators discovered a connection between Buitrago and advertisements distributed around Boca Raton.
“Our individual had some dealings to do with in Boca Raton and had to do with a flyer soliciting for people with foot fetishes,” DeGiulio told CBS 12 News.
Investigators said cards advertising cash payments for photos and videos were distributed near a middle school in Boca Raton. Police said the cards included Buitrago's phone number that later became a critical piece of evidence.
As detectives obtained evidence tied to that phone number, the investigation expanded.
“As the case evolved into an arrest on July 16th, through the evidence recovered and the search warrant on the phone, they were able to tie that particular solicitation on those cards to the suspect,” DeGiulio said.
According to Boca Raton police, that evidence ultimately led detectives to a second investigation involving an intellectually disabled adult woman.
Investigators said Pardieck, a relative of the victim, was paid in to bring the woman to Buitrago, who allegedly created fetish-related content that would later be sold for sexual gratification.
Police said the victim was left alone with Buitrago on two occasions. During the investigation, detectives said the woman later disclosed that Buitrago touched her inappropriately during one of the encounters.
Phelps said the case is particularly troubling because of the relationship between the victim and the person accused of facilitating the meetings.
“It's very difficult because you're talking about a huge breach of trust. Someone who is supposed to look out for you. It's just a complete violation,” Phelps said.
Boca Raton police arrested Charlie Pardieck of Stuart, who is accused of arranging the commercial sexual exploitation of an intellectually disabled adult. (BRPD)Absolutely heinous and downright sickening
Investigators now believe the case may involve additional victims.
Police are urging anyone who may have had contact with Buitrago or believes they may be a victim to come forward and also encouraged parents to pay close attention to changes in their children's behavior.
“If you have a child that often has gifts or money that's outside their normal means of getting it, that should be a first sign. Or emotionally distancing themselves,” DeGiulio said.
Boca Raton police said the investigation remains active and anyone with information is encouraged to contact detectives.
