A Marine was apprehended last month and released after a 14-year-old girl, who had been reported missing by her grandmother, was discovered in his barracks at a California base.
The information comes from Melissa Aquino, a spokesperson for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. She explained that the minor was located at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California on June 28, more than two weeks after her grandmother reported her missing.
The detention and questioning of the Marine were conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS) but the serviceman was subsequently released back to his command, confirmed Captain Charles Palmer, the Director of Communications Strategy and Operations for the 1st Marine Logistics Group.
This incident prompted an ongoing investigation that the sheriff’s department and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force are supporting, in conjunction with the NCIS.
The girl had reportedly fled her home four days before her grandmother lodged the missing person report on June 13, according to Aquino. Despite having a history of running away, she usually returned home soon after, making her prolonged absence alarming.
Casaundra Perez, who identifies herself as the girl’s aunt, took to TikTok to accuse the military of sex trafficking and orchestrating a cover-up. In her posts, she alleged that the Marine bought and raped the girl, who she claims has learning disabilities.
The girl has been returned to her grandmother and interviews were conducted and the family was offered social services. At present, no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
