BOISE, Idaho — A missing Boise teenager has been located in Houston, Texas and a 24-year-old man is in custody charged with kidnapping and human sex trafficking a child.
The Boise Police Department says the missing teen report was initially filed on Oct. 10, 2024. Early information shows she packed a bag, left a note, and ran away from home.
Police say an investigation from Boise Police School Resource Officers (SROs) and the Boise Police Special Victim's Unit (SVU) showed the teen had been communicating with a stranger online and eventually traveled through eastern Idaho, Utah, and Texas.
The Boise Police Department says SVU detectives partnered with the Houston Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit to search for the teen. Police say she was eventually found in a Houston home on October 14, with 24-year-old suspect Ruben D. Visquerra Aguilar.
Once a warrant was obtained from the Ada County Prosecutor's office, Visquerra Aguilar was taken into custody.
The teen is now receiving support services in Houston, and her family is working to bring her home.
The Boise Police Department says it will continue to work with the US Attorney's Office on the investigation, and federal charges are possible. Extradition will be decided by the courts.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also assisted in the investigation, utilizing social media, among other resources, to help find the missing teen. Parents can use the NCMEC website to learn more about online enticement.
Boise Police say further investigation shows another individual assisted in the teen's transport to Houston. That investigation is ongoing.
“Kidnapping and human trafficking are some of the most concerning dangers when it comes to online predators,” said Lt. Ransom. “Child enticement online is something we see far too often, and we encourage anyone who has been a victim to seek support and report it to law enforcement.”
