OREM, Utah — An arrest was made following an investigation into a missing 16-year-old runaway and her 15-month-old baby, the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force announced, although the charges are not connected to those who were missing.
On Saturday afternoon, Orem Police were made aware of the runaway from American Fork. Investigators said the girl had reportedly been hanging out with Espinoza at his home, and her parents told officials they were concerned about their daughter's use of drugs around the baby.
Even before the girl was reported missing, the task force had already obtained a warrant on August 6 as part of an investigation to search the apartment home of Jonathan Espinoza in the 1700 block of South Village Lane in Orem.
Police responded to Espinoza's home, explained they had a search warrant, and two males, including Espinoza, came outside. The 16-year-old runaway was not inside, but the 15-month-old baby was found asleep on a mattress on the floor.
Inside the apartment, detectives also found numerous nicotine vape products as well as a large amount of THC vape products, and a Glock handgun.
The girl's family arrived at the home to take custody of the infant, but the girl's whereabouts and whether she was eventually located were not released.
Espinoza, 20, was arrested for possession of drugs and prohibited dangerous weapon conduct.
