North Augusta Public Safety officers successfully located missing teenager Belinda Orellana Sanchez late Friday night, following a coordinated effort with law enforcement agencies in Florida.
Information was received about Sanchez, 15, and her 20-year-old boyfriend, Marlon Ronaldo Trochez, possibly being in the Melrose area.
Public Safety officers contacted Florida law enforcement, who then dispatched Putnam County deputies to a potential location. Although initial contact was unsuccessful, deputies were alerted to the whereabouts of a vehicle associated with the pair. They quickly located the vehicle and initiated a felony traffic stop, where both Sanchez and Trochez were found inside. Trochez was taken into custody, while Sanchez was confirmed safe and transported to a law enforcement substation to await her family.
This development follows a major investigation into Sanchez’s disappearance, which began earlier this month when she was reported missing after being dropped off at North Augusta High School by her mother. Concerns escalated when Sanchez made a frantic call to her mother two weeks ago, sounding scared before the call abruptly ended.
Family members expressed fears that Sanchez was with Trochez against her will, describing his behavior as troubling. Her mother, Loren Sanchez, had been desperately searching for her daughter, having tracked her location to a trailer park in Clearwater before losing contact.
Law enforcement officials expressed gratitude to all agencies involved for their collaborative efforts in ensuring Sanchez’s safe return.
