A 15-year-old girl from South Jordan, Utah, who had been missing for six weeks, was found safe after walking into a police station far from home. Alisa Petrov was reported missing on April 21, last seen leaving her school in American Fork.
Prior to her disappearance, on April 19, Petrov sent a message to 41-year-old Samuel Teancum Mitchell saying, “I’m running away. Please don’t contact me.” An affidavit revealed that the two had exchanged sexually explicit messages, including plans to meet and discussions about protection and sex games. These conversations were discovered on Petrov’s iPad, which had been left at home. Police tracked Mitchell’s phone and began investigating three men linked to her disappearance.
Security footage last captured Petrov leaving a train station in Provo. Her family had offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.
On the evening of June 1, Petrov appeared at the Colorado Springs Police Department, about 500 miles away, where she identified herself. Officials confirmed she was healthy and in their custody.
On June 2, South Jordan Police announced her recovery, but it remains unclear how she got to Colorado or if she was held against her will.
Mitchell was arrested last Wednesday, facing five charges related to sexual exploitation and enticement of a minor. Two other men, William Taylor Glines and Matthew Nicholas Menard, were also taken into custody in connection with the case.