A Cleburne, Texas man was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for kidnapping a 13-year-old girl he met through Snapchat. Steven Robert Sablan, 63, threatened the victim with a firearm and drove her to California, sexually assaulting her throughout the journey, per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The defendant kidnapped the minor at gunpoint on July 6, 2023, from her San Antonio home and sexually assaulted the 13-year-old multiple times during his journey to Long Beach, California. According to court documents, the defendant had no legal custody or familial relationship with the victim. He was also aware of her age.
Long Beach authorities rescued the victim on July 9, 2023, after a "Good Samaritan" saw her holding a "Help Me" sign against the window of Sablan's gray Nissan Sentra. Sablan has been in federal custody since then. He pleaded guilty in January 2024 to one count of kidnapping.
Per a sentencing memorandum the victim's parents "agonized over their missing child, fearing the worst." Multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation.
"This sentencing announcement represents a collaborative commitment to holding individuals accountable for victimizing and inflicting trauma upon our children," said Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish. "I am deeply grateful to our officers and federal law enforcement partners from the FBI and DOJ for their tireless efforts on this case."
Apart from his sentence, the defendant was ordered to pay $1,158 in restitution.
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