A 38-year-old Pembroke Pines man, Luis Miguel Manrique, is facing multiple felony charges after police say he attempted to meet what he believed was a 14-year-old girl during an undercover child-exploitation sting, even offering to buy her a “Happy Meal.”
Manrique appeared in Miami‑Dade bond court Tuesday after being booked earlier at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Charges Filed
Manrique is charged with:
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Traveling to meet a minor while using a computer to solicit a child or guardian
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Three counts of direct promotion of a sexual performance by a child
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Using a computer to seduce or lure a child
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Possession of obscene material depicting a minor
Alleged Grooming Behavior
According to the affidavit, Manrique first contacted an undercover officer on January 21, believing he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl. He repeatedly acknowledged her age, asked about her school and grade, and continued the conversation even after being told multiple times she was 14.
Investigators say he made grooming-type comments, including telling the girl he would “take care of her” and comparing her to a daughter. He also displayed controlling behavior, asking if she spoke to boys at school or older men. Detectives said he offered to buy her food, asked personal questions, requested photos from a bathroom, and suggested he could “wait four years” to marry her when she turned 18.
Plans to Meet in Person
Police say the messages continued for several days, including plans to meet in person. The affidavit states Manrique agreed to bring condoms to the encounter and sent a photo showing he had them. He arranged to meet the girl at 5 p.m. on January 27 in Miami.
Investigators identified him through digital leads and monitored him driving to the meeting location in his 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Tactical Robbery Units and ICAC detectives conducted a felony stop and detained him.
Evidence Recovered
Police seized his phone, confirmed it was used in the conversations, and found condoms in the driver’s door pocket. Manrique was read his rights, agreed to speak with detectives, and signed consent for a phone search. Investigators recovered messages and images exchanged during the operation.
Bond and Court Conditions
A public defender was appointed to represent him. The judge found probable cause and set bond at $7,500 each on counts one through four and $2,500 each on counts five and six. A separate warrant case remains on hold.
The court also ordered no unsupervised contact with children, and records show Manrique has not yet satisfied the bond.