The father of 15-year-old Alison Jillian Chao, who had been missing for about a week in Southern California, was arrested on suspicion of child abduction and falsifying a police report. Jeffrey Chao was accused of these offenses in connection with Alison’s disappearance, which had prompted public requests for assistance and search efforts organized by residents. Alison was reported missing on July 16 but was found safe on Tuesday. Jeffrey Chao was being held without bail, and his attorney declined to comment further on the situation.
In a statement, the Monterey Park Police Department praised the dedicated efforts of their investigators and collaboration with other agencies in resolving the situation and ensuring Alison’s safety. The investigation is ongoing, and no further comments have been made at this time. Alison’s mother has sole legal custody of her for mental health reasons, with physical custody granted to her on a temporary basis. Despite the custody arrangement, Alison lived with her father, Jeffrey Chao, at the time of her disappearance. The father expressed gratitude towards friends and the community for their support during the search for his daughter.
Alison was last seen riding her bike on July 16, heading towards her aunt’s home in San Gabriel from her father’s house in Monterey Park. She never arrived at her destination, and her disappearance sparked concerns and efforts to locate her. Surveillance cameras captured footage of Alison riding her bike in various neighborhoods, but she remained missing until a resident recognized her in the Glendale area on Tuesday morning. The circumstances surrounding Alison’s disappearance, her father’s arrest, and the ongoing custody dispute between her parents have added complexity to the situation.
Jeffrey Chao spoke at a news conference, expressing the family’s worries about Alison’s whereabouts and thanking everyone who had assisted in finding his daughter. The attorney representing Jeffrey Chao stated that foul play or kidnapping was not suspected in Alison’s disappearance. The father’s arrest on charges of child abduction and falsifying a police report has brought further attention to the case and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Alison’s safe return. The community’s support during the investigation has been acknowledged by the Monterey Park Police Department, which remains committed to the safety and well-being of residents.
The Chao family is currently in the midst of divorce proceedings and a custody dispute, adding complexity to the situation surrounding Alison’s disappearance and safe return. Alison’s mother was recently granted temporary custody of her, despite her father being her primary caregiver prior to her disappearance. The ongoing investigation into the case will likely involve unraveling the complexities of the family dynamics, legal custody arrangements, and the events leading up to Alison’s disappearance and eventual return. The community and law enforcement agencies involved in the search efforts have played a crucial role in ensuring Alison’s safety and well-being during this difficult time for the Chao family.
