Man Indicted on Federal Charges for Kidnapping and Assault of 13-Year-Old Girl in Texas
A man from Cleburne, Texas, has been indicted on federal charges after allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint. Steven Robert Sablan, 61, was charged with one count each of kidnapping and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The incident took place in San Antonio on July 6 when Sablan pulled alongside the girl in a gray Nissan Sentra, pointed a gun at her, and ordered her into the car. He then drove away with the girl, repeatedly sexually assaulting her and asking about her age. The girl informed him that she was 13 and mentioned having a friend in Australia. Sablan allegedly told her that he could take her to a cruise ship to visit her friend, but she had to do something for him first.
Prosecutors stated that Sablan sexually assaulted the girl multiple times during the journey to California. On July 9, Sablan parked the car in Long Beach and went into a laundromat to wash their clothes. It was at this point that the girl, still in the car, wrote a note saying “Help Me” and showed it to people passing by. One of them called the police, leading to the girl’s rescue. Touch Vong, an employee at the laundromat, sensed that something was wrong when Sablan entered the establishment. She noticed fear in the girl’s face and immediately contacted the authorities.
Long Beach police located and arrested Sablan. Officers searching his car found the girl’s note, as well as a black BB gun and a pair of handcuffs. The girl had been reported as a runaway in San Antonio. Sablan is scheduled to be arraigned in downtown Los Angeles on July 31 and could face life in federal prison if convicted. Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish commended the community members for their vigilance and willingness to get involved by calling 911. He also acknowledged the swift response and actions of the officers that led to the victim’s safety.
This incident highlights the critical role that community members play in keeping people safe and serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
How can parents and guardians best educate children about self-defense techniques and the importance of speaking out against abuse?
Ge in criminal sexual activity. Sablan is accused of approaching the young girl in a residential area on May 19, wielding a gun and forcing her into his vehicle. He then allegedly drove her to a remote location where he sexually assaulted her.
The indictment, filed on May 25 in the Northern District of Texas, outlines the harrowing details of the incident. If convicted, Sablan could face a minimum sentence of 20 years up to life in federal prison for the kidnapping charge. The charge of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity carries a minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison.
Law enforcement authorities were able to apprehend Sablan due to the quick thinking and bravery of the young girl. After being sexually assaulted, she managed to escape and seek help from nearby residents. The residents immediately contacted the police, providing them with a description of the suspect and his vehicle.
During the subsequent investigation, the authorities were able to identify and locate Sablan. He was arrested on May 20 and has been in federal custody since then. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cara Foos Pierce and will be investigated by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.
This indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness, especially when it comes to the safety of our children. It is crucial for parents and guardians to teach children basic self-defense techniques, discuss the importance of speaking out against abuse, and create an open dialogue for any concerns or fear they may have.
The State of Texas and federal law enforcement agencies are committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in crimes against children. By swiftly apprehending and indicting Sablan, they are sending a strong message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated.
The trial date for Steven Robert Sablan has not yet been set, but if convicted, he should face the full extent of the law for his actions. The victim and her family deserve justice, and it is the duty of the legal system to ensure that justice is served.
This is a horrifying crime that should be met with the harshest of penalties. The safety and well-being of our children should be a top priority, and justice must be served to protect them from such heinous acts.