A 13-year-old girl's desperate plea for help written on a piece of paper led to her rescue from a harrowing three-day ordeal.

According to Daily Mail, Steven Robert Sablan, 63, of Cleburne, Texas, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping the teen at gunpoint and driving her from San Antonio to California in July 2023.

The victim managed to write "help me" on paper while sitting in Sablan's parked car in Long Beach, catching the attention of a passerby who alerted authorities. When police arrived at the scene, the girl silently mouthed "help," leading to her immediate rescue and Sablan's arrest.

Details of abduction reveal frightening encounter

FBI investigators uncovered that Sablan approached the young victim while she was walking down a street in San Antonio. Armed with a black handgun, he threatened her with violence if she refused to enter his vehicle. The teen, who had no prior connection to Sablan, was forced into his gray Nissan Sentra.

During the three-day journey from Texas to California, prosecutors revealed that Sablan repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim. The perpetrator had no legal custody or familial relationship with the girl, according to statements from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California.

After being held in custody since his arrest in July 2023, Sablan entered a guilty plea for one count of kidnapping in January 2024. United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha handed down the 35-year sentence and ordered Sablan to pay $1,158 in restitution.

Federal authorities emphasize gravity of conviction

Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the significance of the sentence, stating:

The 35-year sentence imposed ensures this defendant will not have the opportunity to victimize children. There is nothing as important as protecting our young people. I commend our federal and local law enforcement partners for their efforts to secure justice here.

The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies working in collaboration. The FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, Long Beach Police Department, and Texas law enforcement from Cleburne and Fort Worth all contributed to bringing Sablan to justice.

Multiple agencies coordinate successful prosecution

Assistant Director Akil Davis of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office provided additional context about the severity of Sablan's actions, explaining:

Mr. Sablan took this young girl from the safety of her Texas home and repeatedly sexually assaulted her at gunpoint throughout a lengthy drive of terror to California. The FBI will not tolerate sexual deviants who exploit our children at will and – as in this case – will hold these violent offenders accountable.

Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish praised the collaborative effort between local and federal authorities. The successful prosecution resulted from the combined work of multiple agencies, with Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Norell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section leading the case.

Sablan's legal representation, Deputy Federal Public Defender Nadine Hettle, declined to comment on the sentencing outcome.

The conviction marks the end of a case that highlighted both the quick thinking of a young victim and the effective response of law enforcement across multiple jurisdictions.

Final resolution brings justice

Steven Robert Sablan's conviction for kidnapping a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint in San Antonio led to a 35-year federal prison sentence.

The case began when he threatened the victim with violence, forcing her into his vehicle for a three-day journey to California in July 2023.

The victim's resourcefulness in writing a plea for help while in Long Beach ultimately led to her rescue and Sablan's arrest. The collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local police departments in both Texas and California, ensured the successful prosecution of this serious crime against a minor.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights the frightening reality of child abduction and sexual assault, accentuating the critical need for vigilance in our communities. It illustrates the power of community awareness and the vital role of observant citizens in triggering law enforcement action.

Additionally, it reaffirms the importance of swift, coordinated efforts by multiple law enforcement bodies to manage such sensitive and urgent situations effectively.

In conclusion, the arrest and sentencing of Steven Robert Sablan bring to close a harrowing tale of kidnapping and abuse, buttressed by a community's quick response and a brave young girl's will to signal for help. This story reinforces the perils lurking in society and illuminates the crucial actions that led to a victim's rescue and a predator's capture.