A Marine has been detained and questioned after a 14-year-old girl, who was reported missing from her home in Spring Valley last month, was found at Camp Pendleton Marine Base, according to authorities. The girl’s aunt, Casaundra Perez, has accused the military of attempting to cover up the incident. An Instagram post showing an unidentified Marine in handcuffs and being escorted by military police has sparked speculation about the nature of the Marine’s involvement with the missing girl.
The post also included a handwritten logbook from Camp Pendleton that referenced the discovery of the girl on June 28. However, the authenticity of the logbook has not been verified. The Marine Corps spokesperson stated that the incident is being taken very seriously and is under investigation. They assured that they would cooperate with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and other relevant authorities.
The 14-year-old girl, whose identity has not been disclosed due to her age, was reported missing on June 13 by her grandmother. The grandmother informed the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSD) that the girl had run away before, but had always returned home promptly. The case is currently being investigated by human trafficking authorities.
After the girl was reported missing, her information was entered into various missing person databases, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. On June 28, the girl was located by military police at Camp Pendleton, who then informed the sheriff’s department. Detectives interviewed the girl and her family was offered services to assist them in dealing with any underlying trauma or personal issues.
It remains unclear if the girl sustained any injuries during her time away from home. NCIS has taken over the investigation, as Camp Pendleton is federal property. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force are supporting NCIS in their investigation.
A Marine from the Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was taken into custody on June 28 on the base and questioned by NCIS personnel regarding his potential involvement with the missing girl. The Marine, who has not been identified, has not been charged and remains in the custody of his command as of July 6.
The girl’s aunt, Ms. Perez, has alleged that her niece has learning disabilities and was sold for sex to a Marine. She posted a video on TikTok expressing fear of retaliation from the military and the alleged trafficker. She also claimed that the military is attempting to shift blame onto her niece, despite the girl’s age making it impossible for her to give consent.
Ms. Perez emphasized that her niece is Native American and explained that her grandmother, who is battling cancer, is the girl’s guardian. She stated that the girl’s disabilities do not warrant constant supervision. NCIS has declined to comment on ongoing investigations, while no identities have been disclosed as the case remains under investigation. The status of the Marine taken into custody is also unknown.
In conclusion, an investigation is underway after a missing 14-year-old girl was found at Camp Pendleton Marine Base. The involvement of a Marine has raised concerns, with allegations of a potential cover-up. The authorities, including the NCIS, are cooperating to determine the circumstances surrounding the girl’s disappearance and her interactions with the Marine.
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