SAN ANTONIO – A Texas man was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison on Friday after he admitted to kidnapping, threatening and sexually assaulting a minor last year.
Steven Sablan, 63, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping in January 2024, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California.
In addition to the 35-year sentence, Sablan was ordered to pay $1,158 in restitution.
“The 35-year sentence imposed ensures this defendant will not have the opportunity to victimize children,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “There is nothing as important as protecting our young people. I commend our federal and local law enforcement partners for their efforts to secure justice here.”
Originally from Cleburne, Texas, Sablan kidnapped a 13-year-old victim on July 6, 2023, at gunpoint in San Antonio.
Over the next two days, Sablan drove the girl to California and sexually assaulted her multiple times, a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office states.
On the morning of July 9, 2023, Sablan parked his car in a lot in Long Beach and took their clothes to a laundromat. While Sablan was at the laundromat, the girl stayed in the car and wrote “Help me!” on a piece of paper to get someone’s attention, the news release stated.
A witness, who arrived to find the girl mouthing the word “help” as Sablan stood outside the car, called the police, the release added.
Authorities found a “help me” sign, a pair of handcuffs and a BB gun inside the vehicle.
Sablan was charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was taken into federal custody, according to the release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The girl was reunited with her family, according to the DOJ.
“This sentencing announcement represents a collaborative commitment to holding individuals accountable for victimizing and inflicting trauma upon our children,” said Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish. “I am deeply grateful to our officers and federal law enforcement partners from the FBI and DOJ for their tireless efforts on this case.”
