A Palm Beach County barber is accused of luring a 17-year-old girl to a motel under the guise of a job opportunity, where detectives say he sexually assaulted her and offered her money.
Now, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
Michel Montano Alvarez, 46, has been charged with human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity and lewd or lascivious molestation involving a 16- or 17-year-old, according to investigators.
The case began after deputies investigated allegations involving a 17-year-old on June 28. Detectives say the teen met Montano Alvarez through his hair salon after he complimented her makeup and discussed possible work and training opportunities. Her mother also spoke with him about the opportunity, investigators said.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Montano Alvarez later offered to teach the teen massage techniques and pay her $250, claiming they would meet a client. Instead, detectives say he drove her to the Treetops Motel in Lake Worth, where he set up oils, played spa music and began giving her a back massage before allegedly sexually assaulting her.
Investigators say the girl’s mother had previously told Montano Alvarez that her daughter was 17.
PBSO’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit is now asking anyone who may have had similar encounters with Montano Alvarez to come forward.
“Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward,” the agency said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Holguin at 561-687-6832 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the “See Something” feature in the PBSO mobile app.
Montano Alvarez is being held on an $80,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 27 in West Palm Beach.
