A Texas man was indicted this week by a federal grand jury for allegedly kidnapping a 13-year-old girl, driving her to California, and raping her multiple times.
Steven Robert Sablan, 61, is charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, the US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said.
The office said that Sablan kidnapped the teen on July 6 in San Antonio, pulling up alongside her as she walked down the street and pointing a gun at her. “If you don’t get in the car with me, I am going to hurt you,” he reportedly said.
Sablan reportedly chatted with the girl, asking how old she was. When the teen told him she had a friend in Australia, he allegedly told her he could take her there to visit her friend, but she had to do something for him before that could happen.
“He then repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim,” the US Attorney’s Office said.
Sablan then headed for California with the girl, sexually assaulting her at least twice more on the trip.
“On the morning of July 9, Sablan parked the car in a lot in Long Beach and took their clothes to a laundromat for washing,” the office said. “While Sablan was in the laundromat, the victim stayed in the car and wrote ‘Help me!’ on a piece of paper to try and get someone’s attention.”
It worked. A passerby saw the note and contacted authorities. Police arrived and saw Sablan standing outside the vehicle and the victim, who mouthed “Help,” inside the vehicle.
Officers took Sablan into custody and searched the vehicle, finding a black BB gun, the “Help me” note, and a pair of handcuffs.
Investigators later determined the girl had been reported as a runaway in San Antonio. According to the Long Island Press-Telegram, the Department of Children and Family Services took custody of her.
The US Attorney’s Office said Sablan faces life in prison if he’s convicted on both charges in the indictment. He will be arraigned on July 31.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Featured image: US Department of Justice via KABC screenshot]
