A 51-year-old Boca Raton man identified by police as Maximiliano Buitrago was arrested in Boynton Beach after allegedly arranging to meet what he believed was a 14-year-old to produce paid videos. Boynton Beach detectives say the undercover operation came to a head at a municipal park on July 16, when officers moved in and took him into custody at about 4 p.m. He is being held at the Palm Beach County Jail on felony charges, police said.
How the sting unfolded
As reported by the Boca Raton Tribune, the investigation began on July 9 after detectives posted a Craigslist babysitting ad. Investigators say Buitrago responded and quickly shifted the conversation, allegedly asking, "Are you trying to make cash any other way?" According to the Tribune, detectives allege he then proposed producing specialized fetish videos, including foot-fetish content, and offered about $200 for roughly three hours of participation, claiming the videos would be sent to clients overseas.
Evidence and confession
According to WFLX, detectives arrested the man when he showed up at the park, then searched his vehicle. Inside, officers say they found handwritten cards advertising, "Make money on TikTok with pics and short videos." Police told reporters the suspect gave a full confession that he intended to produce and distribute the material for financial gain. Investigators also recovered contact details during the search, including the phone number 561-825-0081.
Charges and legal stakes
Boynton Beach police say Buitrago was charged with solicitation to commit human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communications device, both felonies under Florida law. Florida human-trafficking law is outlined at Florida Statute 787.06, and the unlawful-use provision for two-way devices appears at Florida Statute 934.215, which makes using a communications device to help commit a felony a crime of its own. Penalties vary with the underlying offenses and any aggravating factors, and prosecutors will decide on formal charges after reviewing the case.
A regional crackdown and local task force
The Boynton Beach Police Department's Human Exploitation Unit has been using undercover posts and decoys to intercept online predators, a unit that WPBF reported on earlier this year when it launched to focus on child exploitation cases. Similar undercover operations across South Florida have led to multiple recent arrests, including sting work in Miami that authorities say targeted buyers seeking minors, highlighting a broader regional push against online solicitation and human trafficking.
How to report what you find
Detectives are asking anyone who received a handwritten card or exchanged messages with the number 561-825-0081 to contact BBPD Detective Brent Joseph at 561-742-6158, according to police. Investigators say tips can be submitted anonymously and that they are following leads across Palm Beach County and the wider South Florida region to determine whether there are additional victims. Individuals who believe they or someone they know may be a victim are also encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or local law enforcement.
What comes next
The case remains an active investigation and will be reviewed by prosecutors, according to law-enforcement records. Police say court dates have not yet been released and that anyone with information about the suspect, the cards, or related activity should contact Detective Joseph at 561-742-6158 or submit tips through official channels.
