Missing Utah Teen Found Alive in Colorado After Six-Week Disappearance

Alisa Petrov, 15, disappeared after she was dropped off at her school in American Fork, Utah, on April 21 and has only just been found alive

A 15-year-old Utah girl who vanished six weeks ago has been found alive 500 miles from home in Colorado Springs. Alisa Petrov disappeared on April 21 after being dropped off at her school, Canyon Grove Academy in American Fork, but never attended class. Instead, she purchased supplies at a nearby gas station, convinced a stranger to drive her to a train station, and boarded a train to Provo before attempting to reach Las Vegas.

Her parents, Olga and Nikolai Petrov, reported her missing after discovering she had been leading a secret double life, communicating with three adult men online. A hidden iPad revealed explicit conversations with the individuals, all of whom are now in custody facing charges related to sexual exploitation of a minor.

Alisa dug a long-forgotten old iPad out of a dusty box and was chatting to three accused pedophiles, all now behind bars

On Sunday night, Alisa walked into the Stetson Hills Police Department in Colorado Springs and identified herself. Authorities confirmed she was in good health but have not disclosed where she was during her disappearance or whether she was held against her will.

Investigators found disturbing messages between Alisa and three men—Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35; Samuel Teancum Mitchell, 41; and William Taylor Glines, 37. The exchanges, dating back to January, included discussions of suicide, hatred toward her parents, and requests for the men to "kidnap" her.

Samuel Teancum Mitchell, 41, an accused pedophile arrested for allegedly sexually exploiting Alisa online before she disappeared

Menard, a tech sales executive from Miami, allegedly groomed Alisa for months, arranging to meet her in Las Vegas before she disappeared. He was arrested on May 20 and charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement, and criminal solicitation.

Glines, from Texas, was arrested on May 8 and faces multiple charges, including possession of child sexual abuse material. Mitchell, arrested last week, is accused of exchanging explicit messages with Alisa and two other underage girls.

Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, from Miami was charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and criminal solicitation

Olga and Nikolai Petrov expressed relief upon learning their daughter was safe but admitted they had no idea about her online activities. "We regularly checked her phone and saw nothing suspicious—just classmates and neighbors," Olga said. "We never thought she was talking to strangers like this."

Nikolai announced Alisa’s discovery on Facebook, thanking law enforcement and supporters. "We are all really happy that Alisa is found and looking forward to seeing her!" he wrote.

William Taylor Glines, 37, from Texas City, Texas, allegedly had graphic sexual conversations with Alisa before she ran away

South Jordan Police Sergeant Shaun Becker stated the case is far from over. "This was a missing girl case, and we’re committed to holding all involved accountable," he said. Authorities continue to investigate whether others assisted Alisa during her disappearance.

Alisa has not yet explained why she ran away, but her case highlights the dangers of online predators and the vulnerabilities of teenagers in digital spaces.