A 14-year-old girl who’d gone missing after running away from home last month was found inside the barracks of Marine Corps Camp Pendleton, according to authorities.
An officer of the U.S. Marine Corps was taken into custody in San Diego in connection with allegations of sex trafficking involving the minor.
The girl, who has learning disabilities, ran away from home on June 9. Her grandmother reported her missing to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department a few days later.
“The grandmother reported to deputies that the teen had previously run away before, but always returned home quickly,” Melissa Aquino, SDSO’s media relations officer said.
Captain Chuck Palmer of Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Logistics Group confirmed a Marine, who has not yet been identified, had been taken into custody for questioning by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
“We can confirm that a Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 5, 1st Marine Logistics Group was taken into custody for questioning by Naval Criminal Investigative Services on June 28, 2023, as seen on social media July 2, 2023,” Captain Palmer told NBC 7.
“The incident is under investigation, and we will continue to cooperate with NCIS and appropriate authorities.”
The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is also involved in the incident.
Read More: Missing Girl Found At Marine Corps Base, Aunt Claims She Was ‘Sold To Soldier For Sex’
