Man Kidnapped 13-Year-Old Girl at Gunpoint in Texas, ‘Repeatedly Sexually Assaulting Her on Road Trip’ to California: Prosecutors

A federal grand jury has indicted a Texas man after he allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old girl, drove her to California and raped her multiple times along the way, authorities announced.

On July 20, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said that 61-year-old Steven Robert Sablan was charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

On July 6, Sablan allegedly kidnapped the teen in San Antonio, pulling up alongside her as she walked down the street and pointing a gun at her, federal prosecutors said. He allegedly told the girl, “If you don’t get in the car with me, I am going to hurt you."

Prosecutors said Sablan spoke with the girl, asking how old she was. The teen then allegedly told Sablan she had a friend in Australia, so he said he could take her there to visit , but she had to do something for him before that could happen, officials said.

“He then repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim," the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Sablan next drove to California with the girl, sexually assaulting her at least twice more on the trip, authorities said.

On July 9, Sablan parked the car in a lot in Long Beach and took their clothes to a laundromat, officials said. While he was inside, the victim stayed in the car and wrote ‘Help me!’ on a piece of paper to try to get someone’s attention.

The note worked. A passerby saw it and contacted authorities. Police arrived shortly after and saw Sablan standing outside the vehicle and the victim, who mouthed “help," inside the vehicle, officials said.

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Sablan was arrested and officers searching the vehicle found a black BB gun, the “Help me!” note and a pair of handcuffs.

During the investigation, officials determined the girl had been reported as a runaway in San Antonio. The Department of Children and Family Services took custody of her, the Long Island Press-Telegram reported.

If convicted on both charges, Sablan faces life in prison. He is set to be arraigned on July 31.