Las Vegas Man Charged with Kidnapping a Minor in San Diego

A group of people holding signs for child safety awareness

News Summary

Randy Robert Chattans, a 47-year-old man from Las Vegas, has been arrested in San Diego for kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and attempting to force her into sex work. The girl managed to contact the police after being taken from Las Vegas, where Chattans had pressured her into compliance during their week together. The case raises serious concerns about child safety and human trafficking, highlighting the vulnerabilities of minors in urban areas.

San Diego – A 47-year-old man from Las Vegas has been charged with kidnapping a 13-year-old girl and attempting to force her into sex work. Randy Robert Chattans was arrested shortly before 11 a.m. on October 13, just outside the National City Motel in San Diego.

The young girl, who had been taken from Las Vegas on October 6, managed to contact police from a gas station located at 3890 Division Street. She reported that she had been kidnapped and confined for the purpose of being forced into sex work.

According to a search warrant issued during the investigation, the girl and Chattans had met at a train station in Las Vegas where she had provided him with her phone number. Following their initial encounter, Chattans approached the girl with a proposition to engage in sex work, which she refused. After spending time with him, the girl fell asleep in Chattans’s vehicle and awoke to find herself en route to San Diego.

While traveling, when the girl attempted to call her mother, Chattans allegedly confiscated her phone and continued driving towards San Diego. During this time, he reportedly pressured her to earn at least $1,000 and went as far as purchasing clothing for her to facilitate his demands. Chattans also dropped the girl off at various gas stations in San Diego, encouraging her to engage in sex work, which she persistently declined.

As the situation escalated, Chattans allegedly resorted to physical violence whenever the girl did not comply with his demands. Reports indicate that he hit her and further restricted her access to her phone. After spending nearly a week under duress, the girl was eventually dropped off at a gas station where she was able to reach out for help from the police.

Responding officers acted promptly, leading to the arrest of Randy Robert Chattans, who is currently being held at the San Diego Central Jail. He faces serious charges related to kidnapping and attempting to force a minor into sex work. The details surrounding the case highlight the vulnerability of minors and the dangers posed by individuals who exploit young people for their own gain.

This case raises critical concerns about child safety and human trafficking, particularly in urban areas where such incidents can occur. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding the exploitation of minors and the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.

As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize the need for awareness about the signs of human trafficking and urges community members to remain alert in their neighborhoods. The quick response by law enforcement in this instance demonstrates the potential impact of public vigilance and the importance of having resources available for victims of crime.

Further details regarding the legal proceedings against Chattans will unfold in the coming weeks as the case moves through the judicial system.

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STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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