A Texas man, identified as Steven Robert Sablan, 63, of Cleburne, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after kidnapping and repeatedly assaulting a 13-year-old girl before she was rescued thanks to a “Help Me” note she held up to passersby in Long Beach, California.
The Abduction and Assault
- Date of kidnapping: July 6, 2023
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
According to prosecutors, Sablan approached the then-13-year-old girl, pointed a gun at her, and forced her into his vehicle.
- Once inside, Sablan drove across multiple states from Texas to California, assaulting the girl at least twice along the way.
- Prosecutors revealed that during the journey, Sablan made disturbing comments and coerced the girl into staying compliant by suggesting he would help her reach her friend in Australia by dropping her off at a cruise ship—but only after “she did something for him first.”
The Escape in Long Beach
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Date of rescue: Three days after the kidnapping
After three days on the road, Sablan stopped at a laundromat in Long Beach, leaving the girl locked inside the car. Seizing the opportunity, the girl wrote “Help Me” on a note and pressed it against the car window.
A bystander saw the note and immediately called police.
Police Response and Arrest
- Police arrival: Officers responded quickly and found the girl inside the car. Upon their arrival, she mouthed the word “help” to them, confirming her distress.
- Sablan’s arrest: He was arrested on the spot.
- Evidence collected: Inside the vehicle, police found a pair of handcuffs, a black BB gun, and the “Help Me” note written by the girl.
Prosecutors Reveal Details
- The girl was a reported runaway from San Antonio at the time of the kidnapping.
- Sablan pleaded guilty to kidnapping last year, admitting to the crime and detailing his interactions with the victim during the journey.
Sentencing and Justice
Sablan’s 35-year sentence reflects the severity of the crime, ensuring that he will spend the rest of his life in prison. Prosecutors emphasized the bravery of the girl and the role of alert citizens in her rescue.
This tragic case highlights the importance of public vigilance and quick police responses in saving lives. Thanks to the young girl’s courage and the quick thinking of passersby, she was rescued before further harm could occur. Sablan’s sentencing brings justice, but it also underscores the continued need for community awareness and protection for vulnerable children.
