A Texas man has been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for the kidnapping and repeated assault of a 13-year-old girl. Steven Robert Sablan, aged 63, from Cleburne, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha. In addition to his prison term, Sablan was ordered to pay $1,158 in restitution.
Sablan admitted guilt in January 2024 to one count of kidnapping and has been held in federal custody since July 2023. Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally stated that the sentence "ensures this defendant will not have the opportunity to victimize children," emphasizing the importance of protecting young people.
According to Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, Sablan abducted the victim from her home in San Antonio on July 6, 2023. He then transported her across state lines to Long Beach, California while threatening her with a firearm and committing multiple assaults.
The victim was rescued on July 9 after a passerby noticed her holding a "Help Me" sign from inside Sablan’s vehicle and called authorities. The rescue involved collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies including the FBI and Long Beach Police Department.
Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish expressed gratitude for the efforts made by officers and federal partners: “This sentencing announcement represents a collaborative commitment to holding individuals accountable for victimizing and inflicting trauma upon our children.”
Prosecutors highlighted the severity of Sablan's actions in their sentencing memorandum: “[Sablan] violently abducted a child and repeatedly sexually assaulted her while driving her thousands of miles from her home.” They noted that during this time, the victim's parents were left fearing for their missing child.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Long Beach Police Department with assistance from police departments in Cleburne and Fort Worth, Texas. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Norell of the Violent and Organized Crime Section.