Texas man pleads not guilty to alleged kidnapping of girl holding ‘help me’ sign

A man who allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old girl at gunpoint in Texas, then repeatedly sexually assaulted her while driving her to Long Beach, where she was rescued by waving a "help me" note to passersby, pleaded not guilty Monday to a pair of federal charges.

Steven Robert Sablan, 61, of Cleburne, Texas, is charged with one count each of kidnapping and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

At his arraignment in downtown Los Angeles, Sablan pleaded not guilty and a tentative trial date was set for Sept. 12.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 13-year-old girl kidnapped from Texas waves 'help me' note to people passing by in LA County

According to federal prosecutors, the girl was walking in San Antonio on July 6 when Sablan pulled alongside her in a gray Nissan Sentra, pointed a gun at her and ordered her into the car. He drove away with the girl and allegedly asked how old she was, and she told him she was 13, prosecutors said.

The girl also told him she had a friend in Australia, and Sablan allegedly told her that he could take her to a cruise ship so she could visit the friend, "but she had to do something for him first," prosecutors said. Sablan allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulted the girl and began driving her to California, sexually assaulting her at least two more times along the way, according to prosecutors.

On July 9, Sablan parked the car in Long Beach and went into a laundromat to wash their clothes, prosecutors said. While he was away, the girl -- still in the car -- wrote "Help Me" on a note and showed it to people passing by, prompting one of them to call police.

Responding officers found the girl, and she mouthed the word "help" to them, according to prosecutors.

Long Beach police located and arrested Sablan.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: New video shows moments after alleged kidnapping of girl holding ‘help me’ sign comes to dramatic end

"I want to commend our community members for their vigilance and willingness to get involved by calling 9-1-1," Long Beach police Chief Wally Hebeish said in a statement. "This incident highlights the critical role community members play in keeping people safe. I would also like to acknowledge our officers for their swift response and actions which led to getting this victim to safety."

Officers searching the suspect's car found the girl's "help me" note, as well as a black BB gun and a pair of handcuffs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said the girl had been reported as a runaway in San Antonio.

Sablan could face life in federal prison if convicted as charged, prosecutors said.