PHOENIX, AZ – A 12-year-old girl, who was reported missing from Phoenix, has been discovered safe in Utah, leading to the arrest of a truck driver accused of kidnapping and sexual abuse. The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Liam Wallace from Phoenix, now faces federal charges related to child sex trafficking.
The disturbing case began shortly after Christmas when the girl’s mother reported her missing to local authorities, suspecting Wallace’s involvement. She noted that her daughter had previously run away and Wallace had returned her, claiming to be the father of her daughter’s 13-year-old boyfriend. Investigators later revealed this was a deception.
Armed with Wallace’s phone number, provided by the girl’s mother, Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies tracked him to Flagstaff. Information from Wallace’s employer indicated he was en route to Salt Lake City, Utah. Utah deputies located his truck shortly after he crossed the state line.
Initially, Wallace told authorities he was traveling alone, then altered his story to claim he was accompanied by a 19-year-old woman. This too was a falsehood, as investigators soon found the missing 12-year-old inside the vehicle, leading to Wallace’s arrest.
The young victim recounted a harrowing tale to investigators, stating that Wallace had sexually abused her multiple times across Arizona and Nevada. Although Wallace denied these allegations, he reportedly admitted to meeting the girl in person on several occasions, including trips to California and Nevada.
The troubling relationship began months prior in an online chat room designed for teenagers, highlighting the dangers of unsupervised internet interactions. Elena Lowry, regional director for Common Sense Media, emphasizes the importance of parental vigilance. She advises parents to implement privacy controls and stay informed about their children’s online activities.
Lowry stresses the necessity of open dialogues between parents and children about the risks of sharing personal information and engaging with strangers online. Equipping children with the skills to navigate these digital landscapes is crucial in preventing such tragic situations.