Alison Chao: Shocking arrest made in case of California teen found safe after disappearance
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. - A shocking arrest was made Friday in the case of a 15-year-old Monterey Park girl who went missing last week and was found safe on Tuesday.
Authorities arrested Jeffrey Chao, the father of Alison Chao, on suspicion of child abduction, conspiracy and falsifying a police report relating to the July 16 disappearance of his daughter.
Alison was reported missing after she left on her bike from her Monterey Park home to go visit a relative in San Gabriel. She never made it there.
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- Alison Chao: 15-year-old California girl disappears on bike ride to relative's home
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Glendale Police located Alison on Tuesday, July 23. Family members, including Jeffrey Chao, held a press conference that day, expressing their relief that the girl had been found. When FOX 11's Matthew Seedorff asked Jeffrey Chao at that press conference if he had heard from his daughter in the days she was missing, he repeatedly said "no."
"The system has continued to silence her," said Jenny Chao.
Jenny Chao said she was surprised to learn her brother was arrested Friday.
"I’m shocked I didn’t know any information," said Jenny Chao. "I was here and didn’t know he was being arrested."
More than 100 people were outside Monterey Park City Hall Friday holding signs and chanting "Justice for Alison." This, after family had described a messy custody dispute.
"She’s being silenced," said Jenny Chao. "Nobody is listening to her desires and things she has reported. It just doesn’t seem right. We’d like her voice to be heard."
Jeffrey Chao’s attorney provided a written statement to FOX 11 Friday evening:
"Since day one, my client Jeffery Chao has completely cooperated with law enforcement regarding the investigation of his missing daughter Alison Chao. My client was contacted by DCFS and invited to see his daughter Alison for the first time since she's been missing, however, upon arriving at the Monterey Park Police Department he was arrested. At this point in time, the District Attorney's Office of the Alhambra Superior Court has not filed any formal charges. My client is set for arraignment this Monday at the Alhambra Superior Court, where my office will be present fighting on behalf of my client. My client Jefferey Chao maintains his innocence and his unwavering love for his daughter Alison."
Police released no other details about the case and offered no further comment. The department is still investigating.
Attorneys for the girl's mother had no comment on the news of the arrest.