POLK COUNTY, FL – A 43-year-old Wauchula woman is behind bars after investigators say her 16-year-old victim’s mother discovered incriminating videos on the boy’s phone. Marie Ibarra was arrested on Monday, January 5, 2026, by detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
The investigation was launched in December 2025 when the mother found footage of Ibarra performing sexual acts on her son in his own bedroom.
Damning Digital Evidence
Detectives recovered multiple videos from the teen’s device where Ibarra’s face was clearly visible. According to the PCSO:
- The Earliest Recording: A timestamped video from December 4, 2025, at 11:34 p.m. proved the contact had been ongoing.
- Victim Statements: The 16-year-old confirmed he was the male in the videos and told detectives that he and Ibarra—a family acquaintance—had also engaged in sexual intercourse.
- Suspect Confrontation: When approached by law enforcement, Ibarra admitted she knew why they were there but refused to discuss the allegations or confess to the abuse.
Sheriff’s Response
Sheriff Grady Judd expressed strong condemnation of the case, highlighting the betrayal of trust involved.
“This is a complete betrayal of trust. This woman was a family acquaintance who chose to exploit a child she knew. She knew better, and she did it anyway. Now she’s going to face the consequences.” — Sheriff Grady Judd
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