Janice R. Andrews
Unexpectedly, Steven Robert Sablan, a 62-year-old Texas man, entered a guilty plea to the abduction of a 13-year-old girl who was subsequently found and saved in Southern California. Sablan acknowledged to sexually abusing the victim during the terrifying trip from Texas to California, according to information released today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California.
On July 9, near Long Beach, south of Los Angeles, a watchful onlooker noticed the adolescent girl putting up a handmade “Help Me!” sign inside a parked car. This led to the dramatic rescue. The girl was saved because the Good Samaritan acted quickly to notify the authorities.
Prosecutors say that Sablan, who has been detained by the federal government since July 2023, entered a guilty plea to one count of kidnapping. A federal grand jury returned an indictment in July, charging the accused of kidnapping and transporting a juvenile with the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual behaviour.
As per the declaration of an FBI agent bolstering the criminal complaint, the horrific occurrence started in San Antonio on July 6. Sablan approached the girl as she was strolling down the street, pointing a black pistol at her and threatening to hurt her if she disobeyed his commands.
On October 25, Sablan will appear in court to discuss his punishment, which could include a mandated minimum of 20 years in federal prison and a maximum of life in jail. Deputy Federal Public Defender Nadine Hettle, who represents him, declined to comment on the matter.
This alarming example emphasises the need of public awareness in maintaining the safety of our communities and serves as a sobering reminder of the threats that vulnerable people must contend with.
