MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Highway Patrol trooper and a woman were arrested Wednesday by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office in connection with the molestation of a girl, authorities said.
According to an arrest report for Trooper Johan Garcia, 41, of Miami, the victim disclosed that in January 2022 when she was 12 years old, Garcia began massaging her back when she complained about back pain, but then would fondle her buttocks and vagina under her clothing.
Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies said about two years later, Garcia forced her to undress and molested her, telling her that she should not engage in sexual intercourse because she could become addicted to sex.
Garcia was arrested on a charge of engaging in a sex act with a child.
FHP confirmed to Local 10 News that Garcia employment with the department was terminated.
A woman, identified by deputies as Liz Garcia, 37, was also arrested Wednesday on the same charge.
Her arrest report doesn’t state that Liz Garcia ever molested the victim, but it does show that she made a statement to detectives prior to her arrest.
That statement was redacted from the report released to Local 10 News.
The relationship between the victim and suspects is not being disclosed in this article in an effort to protect the victim’s identity.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the Garcias were both being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Online jail records listed their bonds as “to be set.”
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