Sabrina Allen has been missing for 12 years. At the age of four, Sabrina was kidnapped from her Texas home and transported out of the country. The Austin Police Department has confirmed that the girl, who is now 17 years old, was found alive near Mexico City.
At the time of the kidnapping, Sabrina was living with her father in Austin, Texas. Although Greg Allen was granted custody of his daughter, his estranged wife had visitation rights on weekends.
On April 19, 2002, Dara Llorens picked Sabrina up for a scheduled visitation. However, she and the four-year-old girl never returned. Although Greg suspected Dara fled to Mexico with their daughter, he had no idea where to look.
As reported by USA Today , a federal warrant was issued for Dara’s arrest. Unfortunately, she evaded capture for more than a decade. According to reports, Dana moved often, wore a disguise, underwent plastic surgery, and assumed a false identity. She also colored Sabrina’s hair to cloak her identity.
Private investigator Phillip Klein said he and Greg worked closely with an informant in Mexico. When Dara and Sabrina were located, Klein contacted federal authorities in Mexico and the United States.
In a joint effort, the FBI, United States Marshals, and the Mexican Federal Authority captured and detained the mother and daughter. Sabrina Allen and Dara Llorens were transported back to Texas on Tuesday evening.
Dana was arrested on numerous charges, including aggravated kidnapping, interference with child custody and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. She is currently being held at the Travis County Jail.
Sabrina was taken to an undisclosed medical facility for a mental and physical health evaluation. Although she has not reunited with her father, Greg said he is thankful that his daughter is alive and well. In an official statement , the father said he is looking “forward to being reunited very soon.” He also thanked the investigators, who “never gave up.”
“Our prayers go out to the Mexican Federal Police… We also would like to thank the Mexican Government for their cooperation in this case… a heartfelt thank you to the US FBI, US Marshals, and all of the investigators that have worked this case for the last 12 years.”
Although Sabrina Allen was found alive and well, she has not seen her father in 12 years. The reunion will likely be bittersweet as Sabrina is facing a huge transition. Greg said medical professionals are on hand to help the teen through the reunion.
[Image via Find Sabrina ]
