Missing Utah girl found safe after being targeted by accused pedophiles

In South Jordan, Utah, Alisa Petrov, a 15-year-old girl, went missing on April 21, 2025, after being dropped off at her school but not attending. After her disappearance, she traveled to multiple locations, including Provo and made plans that eventually led her to Colorado with the intention of meeting accused pedophiles she contacted online. Authorities reported that she used an old iPad to communicate with these men, which allowed her to arrange a meeting with 35-year-old Matthew Nicholas Menard in Las Vegas. The teen had expressed feelings of animosity towards her parents and even made alarming statements about suicide during her chats on social media with the accused. This communication ultimately raised concerns about potential grooming, as the accused individuals were involved in illicit activities with minors. After a thorough search by local police and support from various agencies, Alisa was located when she walked into the Colorado Springs Police Department in good health on June 1, 2025. Her parents were notified of her safety shortly thereafter, and arrangements were made for her return home. Additionally, the case drew attention to the risks associated with online interactions, particularly for minors, showcasing the importance of parents monitoring digital communication and social media activity. Meanwhile, in a separate but related case, another missing teen, Isabella Phillips from Beaver County, Pennsylvania, was found safe in Ohio. Charges were brought against two individuals connected to her disappearance, emphasizing the alarming trend of interacting with unknown persons online and the potential dangers it presents.