In a remarkable turn of events, 15-year-old Alisa Petrov from South Jordan, Utah, who had been missing for nearly six weeks, turned herself in in Colorado Springs, Colorado, more than 500 miles from her home. Her disappearance had sparked a multi-state investigation and led to the arrest of three men on charges related to child exploitation.
Petrov’s family reported her missing on April 21, 2025, two days after sending a message to a 41-year-old man she had been communicating with online. In the message, she stated, “I’M RUNNING AWAY. Please don’t contact me.” She never arrived at school the day she vanished.
Surveillance footage later showed her leaving a train platform in Provo, and authorities believed she might be in Las Vegas.
Petrov reappeared safe and sound
On June 1, 2025, Petrov walked into the Colorado Springs Police Department in good health. According to Utah news outlet KUTV, whether she was held against her will, how she was transported, and why she traveled so far have not yet been determined or disclosed.
Three men arrested in connection to the case
After Petrov disappeared, investigators discovered that the teen had engaged in explicit conversations with three adult men she met online. These interactions included discussions about meeting in person and sexual activities.
Utah authorities arrested the first man, identified as Samuel Teancum Mitchell, 41, from Herriman, Utah, on charges of sexual exploitation and enticement of a minor. Authorities discovered their conversations on Petrov’s iPad, which she left behind.
Around that same time, police charged William Taylor Glines, 37, from Texas, with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, and criminal solicitation.
Meanwhile, Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, from Florida, turned himself in and faced charges including aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticing a minor, and criminal solicitation.
Questions remain
While Petrov has been found safe, many questions remain unanswered. The involvement of the three men and the nature of their interactions with Petrov are central to the ongoing investigation.
Petrov’s family had previously offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to her safe return. The community’s support and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies were instrumental in locating her.
The Petrov case underscores the risks associated with online interactions between minors and adults. As investigations continue, authorities urge parents and guardians to monitor their children’s online activities and to educate them about the risks associated with communicating with strangers on the internet.
Published: Jun 2, 2025 11:41 am