Father Arrested in Connection with Missing Southern California Teen

Background and Arrest

Jeffrey Chao, the father of 15-year-old Alison Jillian Chao, who had been reported missing for approximately one week, has been taken into custody on suspicion of child abduction and related offenses. This announcement was made by the Monterey Park Police Department on Friday. In addition to the charge of child abduction, Chao faces accusations of falsifying a police report pertaining to his daughter’s disappearance.

Currently, Jeffrey Chao is being held without bail. His attorney, Jose Romero, has not offered additional comments regarding the case at this time.

Disappearance and Resolution

Alison Chao was initially reported missing on July 16. The disappearance led to a significant public response, including widespread appeals for assistance and community-organized search efforts. After an intense period of uncertainty, Alison was located safe on Tuesday morning in the Glendale area. Her recovery was made possible by a local resident who identified her from surveillance footage and promptly alerted law enforcement.

The Monterey Park Police Department issued a statement acknowledging the crucial role played by various agencies and community members in resolving the case: “The department’s dedicated efforts and collaboration with other agencies were pivotal in resolving this critical situation and ensuring Alison Chao’s safety. 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.”

Custody and Family Dynamics

Family law attorney Hannah Bui reported that Alison’s mother, Annie Chao, holds sole legal custody of her daughter due to mental health concerns. Nevertheless, Annie Chao had been granted temporary physical custody just before Alison's disappearance. The ongoing divorce proceedings and custody disputes between Jeffrey and Annie Chao have added layers of complexity to the situation.

Earlier, Jeffrey Chao had addressed the media during a news conference on Tuesday, expressing his gratitude towards friends and the community for their efforts in finding his daughter. At that time, Chao’s attorney had stated that there was no suspicion of foul play or kidnapping. Jeffrey Chao had remarked, “We’ve been really worried about where she’s been. We really appreciate what everyone’s done and helped out with.”

Timeline and Discovery

Alison Chao was last seen on July 16 around 6:20 p.m. in the 4400 block of Collis Avenue in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles. Earlier that day, she had left her father’s residence in Monterey Park with the intention of traveling to her aunt’s home in San Gabriel. At the time of her disappearance, Alison was riding a blue mountain bike and carrying a black backpack. Surveillance cameras in various neighborhoods had captured footage of her on the bike.

The circumstances surrounding Alison’s disappearance and her subsequent discovery are still under investigation, with more details anticipated to emerge.

In conclusion, Jeffrey Chao’s arrest and Alison Chao’s safe return have provided a resolution to a distressing case that engaged the local community. The ongoing investigation will continue to clarify the full context of the events surrounding the disappearance and the charges against Jeffrey Chao.