Father Arrested in Connection with Missing Teen Case in Southern California

The father of a 15-year-old girl from Southern California, who was missing for nearly a week, has been arrested on charges of child abduction and falsifying a police report. Jeffrey Chao, the father of Alison Jillian Chao, is currently being held without bail, as confirmed by his attorney, Jose Romero. The Monterey Park Police Department announced the arrest on Friday, following the safe recovery of Alison, who was reported missing on July 16. Alison was located on Tuesday after a resident in Glendale recognized her and alerted authorities. The police praised the collaborative efforts of various agencies and the community in ensuring her safe return. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance is ongoing, with the Monterey Park Police Department stating they have no further comments at this time. In the midst of a custody dispute between her parents, Alison had left her father's home in Monterey Park, intending to visit her aunt in San Gabriel. She was last seen riding a blue mountain bike and carrying a black backpack. Following her disappearance, her mother, Annie Chao, was granted temporary physical custody, highlighting the complexities of the family situation. During a news conference on Tuesday, Jeffrey Chao expressed gratitude to the community for their support in finding his daughter, stating, “We’ve been really worried about where she’s been.” The case has drawn significant public interest, prompting calls for assistance and organized searches by local residents.