13-year-old girl waves ‘help me’ signs at California laundromat after being kidnapped in Texas: prosecutors
When he stopped to do laundry in Long Beach, more than 1,300 miles from San Antonio, the child found an opportunity to get help, prosecutors say, who allege the man repeatedly sexually abused the girl
A suspected kidnapper accused of taking a 13-year-old girl from Texas to California at gunpoint and sexually abusing her in the process has been charged at federal level.
According to federal prosecutors, the young teenager waved a “help me” cue to a passerby in Long Beach, a city in Los Angeles County, in order to save her.
The suspect – 61-year-old Steven Robert Sablan of Cleburne, Texas – has been charged with kidnapping and transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, according to US Attorneys.
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His indictment is scheduled for July 31 in downtown Los Angeles fox 11.
According to prosecutors, the girl was forced at gunpoint into a gray Nissan Sentra on July 6 in San Antonio. Sablan then allegedly drove away and asked the girl her age, which she allegedly gave as 13.
Federal investigators say Sablan told the child he could take her on a cruise ship to visit a friend of hers in Australia, “but she had to do something for him first.” Sablan sexually assaulted the girl repeatedly on the way to California, prosecutors say.
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Three days after the first kidnapping, Sablan reportedly parked the Sentra at a laundromat to wash her clothes.
While her alleged kidnapper was away, the girl wrote “Help me” and showed the note to passersby – prompting an 911 call to 9-1-1.
Police at the scene said the child said “help” when she arrived.
Shortly after local law enforcement arrested Sablan.
Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office/WFAA/NBC DFW
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“I want to commend our community members for their vigilance and willingness to engage through the 9-1-1 call,” Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish said. “This incident underscores the crucial role that community members play in keeping people safe. I also want to thank our officers for their quick response and actions that resulted in this victim being brought to safety.”
Prosecutors say that when police searched Sablan’s vehicle, they found a black air pistol, handcuffs and the “Help Me” notice.
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US Attorneys said the missing child was initially reported as a runaway in San Antonio.
If convicted, Sablan faces a life sentence in federal prison.
Are you or someone you know a recent sexual assault survivor? Help is available. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) offers a 24-hour, 24-hour, nationwide sexual assault hotline, which you can reach at 1-800-656-4673.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children/Asheville Police Department
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