A 62-year-old Texas man, Steven Robert Sablan, has pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. The girl was later rescued in California after catching the attention of a passerby with a “Help Me!” sign. The incident took place on July 6, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California, Sablan admitted to sexually assaulting the victim while driving her from Texas to California. He had coerced the girl into getting into his car by threatening her with a handgun. Sablan then proceeded to tell the girl that he could take her on a cruise ship to see her friend in Australia, but she had to do something for him first.
During the journey, Sablan sexually assaulted and raped the young girl. On July 9, while Sablan was occupied in a laundromat in Long Beach, California, the victim seized the opportunity to write “help me” on a piece of scrap paper. A witness noticed the distressing message and promptly alerted the Long Beach Police Department.
Authorities arrived at the scene and found Sablan outside the vehicle. The victim mouthed “help” to the authorities from inside the car. Further investigation led to the discovery of a black BB gun, a “Help me” sign, and a pair of handcuffs inside the vehicle.
Steven Robert Sablan will be sentenced on October 25, facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
This incident highlights the importance of public vigilance and the swift response from law enforcement in ensuring the safety of the young girl. The bravery and quick thinking of the victim in seeking help ultimately led to her rescue.
No further information about the victim’s identity or personal details has been released to protect her privacy.
