Boca Raton police are searching for other victims after arresting a man on charges of running a sex-trafficking operation that they say targeted young women through online ads, offering money for modeling sessions and for photographs of their feet.
Officers arrested Maximiliano Buitrago on Sept. 16 on charges involving human trafficking of an intellectually disabled adult. Authorities also arrested Charlie Pardieck, who investigators say is a relative of the victim and helped to exploit the woman.
It was the second time law enforcement had arrested Buitrago, 51, on a human-trafficking charge since July. Boynton Beach took him into custody on July 16 on charges that he tried to solicit a 14-year-old girl online to pose for "sexy" foot photos for "private
clients overseas," according to his arrest report.
That 14-year-old girl turned out to be an undercover officer, and Boynton Beach police arrested him during a sting operation in Intracoastal Park when Buitrago thought he was meeting her.
Buitrago is being held without bail on both sets of charges at the county jail. Circuit Judge Donald Hafele appointed the county Public Defender's Office to represent him. As a policy, the office does not comment on open cases.
Boca Raton trafficking case involved woman with disability, police say
Human trafficking is a crime where people use force, fraud or coercion to exploit others for labor or sex.
Boca Raton police said in a prepared statement that their investigation into Buitrago involved working with Boynton Beach police and the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, and began when the department received reports that a disabled woman had been sexually trafficked in July 2025.
Investigators found Pardieck had driven the woman to a studio along North Federal Highway in Boca Raton, for Buitrago to photograph her feet, legs and hands. Detectives say Buitrago told Pardieck the photos would be sold to third parties for "sexual gratification," according to the statement.
Police said the victim was left alone with Buitrago during two separate sessions. During those visits, the victim alleged that she and Buitrago were naked and that Buitrago touched her inappropriately, according to the statement.
Investigators discovered Buitrago had posted online advertisements offering payment for photographs of feet and modeling sessions. Investigators allege the content created during those sessions was intended to be sold to third parties for sexual gratification.
Police said some of the advertisements were placed near Boca Raton Middle School.
Detectives believe there are additional victims and have not yet come forward. Anyone with information regarding this ongoing investigation is encouraged to contact Boca Raton police at (561) 620-6167.
Valentina Palm covers immigration and breaking news for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@pbpost.com and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @ValenPalmB. Support local journalism: Subscribe today
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boca police seek other victims after man's second trafficking arrest
