Texas, 21 January 2024. A Texas man, named Steven Sablan(62 Year) has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and sexually assaulting her multiple times during a harrowing two-day ordeal that ended with the victim’s desperate plea for help scribbled on a piece of paper.
Steven Sablan, 62, of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, admitted to his crimes on Friday in a plea deal with federal prosecutors. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment when he is sentenced at a later date.
The victim’s nightmare began on July 7 when Sablan approached her as she walked down the street near a bus stop in San Antonio. He brandished a handgun and forced her into the front passenger seat of his car.
Over the next two days, Sablan drove more than 1,300 miles to Long Beach, California, repeatedly sexually assaulting the girl along the way. On July 9, he stopped at a laundromat to wash clothes, leaving the victim locked in the car.
Seizing her chance, the resourceful teenager scribbled a note with the words “Help me!” on a piece of paper and held it up to the window, hoping someone would see her distress.
Miraculously, a passerby spotted the girl’s plea and called 911. Long Beach police quickly arrived and apprehended Sablan.
“This case is a stark reminder of the dangers that children face,” said US Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison in a statement. “Thanks to the bravery of the victim and the quick action of a good Samaritan, this predator was brought to justice.”
The victim’s mother, who had reported her daughter missing, expressed her relief and gratitude to the authorities and the “good Samaritan” who intervened.
“I will never be able to thank them enough for what they did,” she said. “They saved my daughter’s life.”
Sablan’s case highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and speaking up if you see something suspicious. It also underscores the remarkable resilience of young people who, even in the face of unimaginable fear, can find the courage to fight back and seek help.
Here are some additional details from the case:
- Sablan had no prior relationship with the victim.
- He was armed with a plastic BB gun, handcuffs, and a knife.
- He has a history of violent crime, including two prior convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon.
This case serves as a reminder to:
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert when in public.
- Teach your children about stranger danger and how to stay safe.
- If you see something, say something. Trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
By working together, we can help keep our communities safe and protect our children from harm.
