Missing 14-Year-Old Girl from California Rescued in Mexico; Father Arrested
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Authorities reported on Sunday that a 14-year-old girl and her biological father—allegedly linked to an investigation into the death of a baby in Monterey County—were located in Mexico. The girl, who was the subject of an Amber Alert, was rescued, and her father, suspected of sexually abusing her, was arrested. Monterey County Sheriff's Office stated that the girl's identity is not being disclosed due to her age and status as a sexual abuse victim. Sheriff Tina Nieto mentioned that the father, Sergio Galvez Perez, was arrested after allegedly being found in possession of narcotics. Galvez Perez is wanted on several felony charges, including incest, lewd acts with a minor under 14, unlawful sexual intercourse, and child endangerment. Nieto noted that Mexican authorities were aware of the pending charges against Galvez Perez in Monterey County and collaborated with local police and the FBI to rescue the girl. '[She] is safe and currently under the care of local authorities in Mexico,' Nieto added. This announcement comes nearly a month after the California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert for the girl and her father amid an investigation into the remains of a baby found on August 1 along a highway in Monterey County. It remains unclear how the baby died, but investigators stated the body showed signs of traumatic injuries. They eventually identified Galvez Perez and the girl as linked to the newborn, referred to by authorities as 'Baby Angelita.' The sheriff's office believes the 14-year-old conceived the baby as a result of her father's sexual abuse, gave birth by the roadside, and left the baby there. Although the Monterey County Sheriff's Office initially stated that the girl was wanted on suspicion of murder, the Monterey County District Attorney's Office said no decision had been made regarding charges. 'We recognize that the 14-year-old is a victim of her father's abuse. No minor should have to endure such horrific circumstances,' the District Attorney's Office stated in part in a September 2 release. 'Our office works every day with abuse victims and understands that minors who have suffered abuse may face extraordinary obstacles to getting to safety and may not be able to seek help on their own, especially when under the control or influence of an abuser. The responsibility for keeping a minor safe does not rest with the minor. Our priority is to ensure this young girl is safe and has access to the support and services she needs.' The girl's mother, Ofelia Garcia Ortega, was arrested in August for allegedly endangering a minor and was later released on bail.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
