Father Of Missing Teen Charged With Child Stealing, Faking Report: DA

MONTEREY PARK, CA — The father of a 15-year-old girl who was reported missing in Monterey Park on July 16 was charged with stealing his daughter and falsely reporting she was missing, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney.

Jeffery Chao was arrested on Friday by the Monterey Park Police Department on charges of child abduction, conspiracy and falsifying a police report. His daughter, Alison Chao was reported missing after she left to ride her bicycle to her aunt's house.

“Falsely reporting a child as missing not only violates the law but also diverts critical law enforcement resources away from other serious matters,” District Attorney George Gascón said. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated, and we will hold the responsible individual accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney also alleged that Chao influenced others, including a minor, to help with the scheme. If convicted, Chao faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Alison was reported missing on July 16 after she left her father's home in Monterey Park to ride her bike to her aunt's house in San Gabriel. She was last seen at about 6:23 p.m. on Ring camera that day and her aunt called her father at about 8 p.m. when she had yet to arrive.

On July 23, Alison was found outside of ABC7's studio in Glendale. A security guard at the studio said Alison was walking and had been followed by a woman who recognized her as a missing minor and called the police.

Related coverage:

• Father Of 15-Year-Old Who Went Missing In LA County Arrested
• 15-Year-Old Girl Found Safe After Week-Long Disappearance
• Teen Girl Disappears While Riding Bike To Visit Family In LA County