A suspect with a history of sex assault allegations is in custody after a missing Utah teenager was discovered in a West Valley neighborhood last week.
Armando Sanchez-Lopez was detained for alleged involvement in the crimes.
On April 24, a mother reported that her daughter had departed Lehi City, Utah, in an unknown car. An acquaintance stated that they dropped off the girl around 9:30 p.m. on Stella Lane, near Dysart Road and Maryland Avenue in Litchfield Park. The girl reportedly asked the guy to drop her off in the neighborhood so she could walk.
Authorities claim the acquaintance attempted to follow the girl until Sanchez-Lopez approached him and pulled out a rifle, causing him to flee the scene. Days after the drop-off, the buddy received texts from the girl claiming that she required assistance and was being held against her will.
Then, on April 29, Maricopa County Sheriff’s detectives learned that the girl was with Sanchez-Lopez in the same Litchfield Park area. Detectives searched the area and discovered the two exiting a residence on Stella Lane.
Deputies identified the girl as the same missing individual from Utah. Sanchez-Lopez was arrested on the scene and placed into Maricopa County Jail on accusations of sexual assault, sexual activity with a minor, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and failing to comply with a court-ordered custodial agreement.
The investigation is still underway, with MCSO detectives reviewing evidence and previous reports on Sanchez-Lopez. According to investigators, Sanchez-Lopez has faced other sex-related claims involving multiple victims.
“Our detectives’ patience and teamwork allowed us to securely identify and recover this child. We are grateful she is now safe and receiving the treatment she requires,” MCSO Sheriff Jerry Sheridan stated in a statement.
Detectives are requesting anyone who may have had contact with Sanchez-Lopez to call MCSO at 602-876-1011.
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