Featured Image Credit: KTLA 5
Topics: US News, Crime, Police, California, Los Angeles
Ella Scott
The father of Alison Chao has been arrested and charged with child abduction, conspiracy and falsifying a police report, officials have confirmed.
On Friday (July 26), the Monterey Park Police Department confirmed they’d taken Jeffery Chao, the dad of 15-year-old Southern Californian Alison Jillian Chao, into custody.
The arrest was made after the teenager suddenly vanished when leaving her dad’s home in Los Angeles on July 16.
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She was due to travel three miles to her aunt’s house on a pedal bike the same day, but failed to appear at the woman’s property in San Gabriel as promised.
A missing person’s report was swiftly filed and police were prompted to launch a city-wide search for the girl.
Their efforts were boosted by volunteers who swept nearby neighborhoods and handed out missing person flyers.
Alison’s mother, Annie, also made various emotional pleas for information regarding her daughter’s whereabouts.
On July 23, the teen mysteriously reappeared outside of the offices of news station KABC, an ABC affiliate based in Glendale, promising to ‘tell her side of the story’.
Following an ‘extensive investigation’ into Alison’s disappearance, officials have since charged Jefferey with abduction, conspiracy and falsifying police reports.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Jefferey’s attorney, Jose Romero, has confirmed the teenager’s father is being held without bail.
“The department's dedicated efforts and collaboration with other agencies were pivotal in resolving this critical situation and ensuring Alison Chao's safety," said Monterey Park police.
“The Monterey Park Police Department Investigations Bureau is still currently investigating this incident and has no further comment at this time.
“We want to assure the community of Monterey Park that the department remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and well-being of residents. We appreciate your continued support during this investigation.”
On the same day his daughter reappeared, Jefferey spoke to the press and claimed everyone had been ‘really worried’ about where she had been.
“We really appreciate what everyone’s done and helped out with,” he continued, as per KNBC.
“She’s a very intelligent person and she’s a godly person with a really good heart.”
Concrete details regarding Jefferey’s involvement in the missing persons case are yet to be revealed.
Following her daughter’s reappearance, Alison’s mom also spoke to the press and said: “I will always do my best to protect Alison's interests, no matter the circumstances and regardless of the stones that may be thrown at me.”
The statement came after critics claimed her divorce from Jefferey could have caused their daughter to run away from home.
Alison is now in the custody of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, according to the Daily Mail.
UNILAD has reached out to Jefferey Chao’s attorney for further comment, while LADbible Group has previously contacted the Monterey Park Police Department and Glendale Police Department.