According to an affidavit filed during the investigation, just two days before she vanished, Petrov sent a message to 41-year-old Samuel Teancum Mitchell, stating:
“I’M RUNNING AWAY. Please don’t contact me.”
Investigators later discovered disturbing exchanges between Petrov and Mitchell that included sexually explicit conversations, discussions about meeting up, the use of condoms, and references to sexual games. These conversations were uncovered on Petrov’s iPad, which she had left behind at her home. The messages became key evidence in tracking down individuals possibly involved in grooming or luring her away.
Following the discovery, authorities traced Mitchell’s phone number and launched a deeper investigation, ultimately identifying three adult males in connection to her disappearance.
Mitchell was arrested last Wednesday and is currently facing five felony counts, including sexual exploitation of a minor and enticement. Authorities believe he played a central role in communicating with Petrov before her disappearance and possibly influencing her decision to flee.
Two additional suspects, William Taylor Glines and Matthew Nicholas Menard, have also been taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation. Specific details about their roles in the case have not yet been released, but officials have confirmed they are connected to Petrov’s disappearance.
Unanswered Questions
While the news of Petrov’s recovery has brought relief to her family and community, many questions remain unanswered. It is still unclear:
How she traveled over 500 miles from Utah to Colorado;
Whether she was coerced or held against her will;
Or if others may have been involved in her movements during the six-week period she was missing.
The South Jordan Police Department issued a statement on June 2 confirming her recovery and thanking the public for its support, while also acknowledging that the investigation is far from over. “We are grateful Alisa has been found safe,” the statement read. “We remain committed to uncovering the full circumstances of her disappearance and holding accountable anyone who may have exploited or harmed her.”
Petrov is currently in the care of authorities in Colorado, who are working with Utah law enforcement and child welfare services to ensure her safety and begin the process of reunification with her family.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The case has raised broader concerns about online grooming, teenage vulnerability, and the dark realities of digital exploitation.