For seven days in September, the FBI and law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California were on the lookout for a 13-year-old girl who left her home in Heber on a warm Sunday morning.
Media throughout the region reported on the disappearance of teenager Kaelynne Paez, who would eventually be returned to her family in Heber after she was found in a Los Angeles home by LAPD officers based on an FBI tip.
Although the case has never been deemed a kidnapping, law enforcement were concerned for Kaelynne’s safety, and the FBI began to enlist the public’s help in finding her.
What’s more, the investigation into the case is still ongoing, with FBI and the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office actively pursuing resolution. Sheriff’s Sgt. Jimmy Duran said Thursday that no arrests have been made.
Of particular note was the fact that Kaelynne had posted her images and information, including fake ages and personal biographical facts, to numerous online adult dating sites. At the time, authorities were reticent to make a connection between the numerous profiles and her disappearance, and they still will not.
Because she is a minor, few details on the case have ever been made public.
Kaelynne went missing from her home on Heber Avenue around 10 a.m. Sept. 9 before being found Sept. 16.
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