- Predators groomed a 15-year-old girl online through a hidden iPad her parents didnโt know she was using.
- The Utah teen vanished after planning to meet one suspect in Las Vegas, last seen seeking transport there.
- Her devastated parents offer $20K reward while police hunt two suspects โ one arrested, one still at large.
Olga and Nikolai Petrov carefully monitored their 15-year-old daughter Alisa Petrovโs phone and messages. They warned the outgoing teen about strangers and dangers online. Despite their efforts, Alisa vanished on April 21 after leaving home in American Fork, Utah. She had never spent a night away before, making her sudden disappearance even more alarming.
A Hidden iPad Exposed a Disturbing Secret
After Alisa disappeared, police searched her home and found an old iPad hidden in her dresser. Her parents had no idea she was using it. The device, unused for years, became a tool for two men to secretly contact Alisa Petrov. Through Instagram messages, they spent months grooming her, exchanging inappropriate photos, and manipulating her trust.
Predators Planned to Meet Her in Las Vegas
One of the men, 35-year-old Matthew Menard, allegedly arranged to meet Alisa Petrov in Las Vegas. From there, they planned to fly to his home in Miami. Court documents reveal graphic conversations where Menard described his intentions to abuse her. The other suspect, 37-year-old William Glines, also exchanged explicit messages with Alisa before his arrest.
Alisaโs Disappearance Followed a Careful Plan
On the day she vanished, Alisa Petrov went to school but never entered the building. Instead, she bought supplies at a gas station and convinced a stranger to drive her to a train station. She rode to Provo, Utah, where witnesses say she asked for help buying a bus ticket to Las Vegas. No one has seen her since.
Police Have Few Answers for the Devastated Family
Authorities confirm they have leads but wonโt share details with Alisa Petrovโs parents. They admit they canโt guarantee her safety but have no evidence sheโs been harmed. One suspect, Glines, remains in jail, while Menard has not been arrested. Investigators believe Alisa never met either man, but her current whereabouts remain unknown.
Her Parents Plead for Her Safe Return
Alisa Petrovโs family has offered a $20,000 reward for information. On a dedicated website, they beg her to come home, assuring her she wonโt be in trouble. โWe just want you back,โ they write. โWe love you no matter what.โ Police classify Alisa as an endangered runaway and urge anyone with information to come forward.
How to Recognize Alisa
Alisa Petrov is 5โ3โ and weighs around 122 lbs. Surveillance footage shows her wearing a white shirt with dark lettering when she disappeared. If you see her or know anything about her disappearance, contact local authorities immediately. Her family remains hopeful sheโs still alive and prays for her safe return.
