Officials have confirmed that Alison Chao’s father has been arrested and charged with child abduction, conspiracy, and falsifying a police report.
On Friday (July 26), the Monterey Park Police Department announced the arrest of Jeffery Chao, the father of 15-year-old Alison Jillian Chao from Southern California.
The arrest followed the teenager’s sudden disappearance after leaving her father’s Los Angeles home on July 16.
Alison was supposed to ride her bicycle to her aunt’s house, located three miles away, but she never arrived at her San Gabriel destination.
When she failed to show up, a missing person report was filed, triggering a city-wide search led by police.
The search efforts were amplified by volunteers who canvassed the area and distributed missing person flyers.
Alison’s mother, Annie, also made several emotional appeals for information about her daughter’s location.
On July 23, Alison reappeared outside the offices of KABC, an ABC affiliate in Glendale, claiming she wanted to ‘tell her side of the story’.
After an ‘extensive investigation’ into her disappearance, authorities charged Jeffery with abduction, conspiracy, and falsifying police reports.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Jeffery’s attorney, Jose Romero, confirmed that Alison’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 Alison reappeared, Jeffery told the press that everyone had been ‘really worried’ about her absence.
“We really appreciate what everyone’s done and helped out with,” he added, as per KNBC.
“She’s a very intelligent person and she’s a godly person with a really good heart.”
Concrete details regarding Jeffery’s involvement in the case have yet to be disclosed.
After her daughter reappeared, Alison’s mother addressed the press, stating: “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.”
This statement came amid accusations that her divorce from Jeffery may have driven Alison to run away.
Alison is currently in the custody of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, as reported by the Daily Mail.