Amber Alert Leads to Rescue of Siler City Teen, Two Men Arrested for Human Trafficking

SILER CITY, NC — A 15-year-old girl from Siler City has been rescued in a human trafficking case, marking the second such incident in North Carolina in a week. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) confirmed the teen was found after a multi-agency effort involving an Amber Alert and law enforcement collaboration.

The teen had been missing since February 21, but an Amber Alert was not issued until Thursday. The Siler City Police Department, SBI’s Criminal Apprehension Team, and the FBI worked together to locate her. She was discovered in Asheboro around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday (Feb. 27) in the company of one of the suspects, Ronny Suarez. A second suspect, Saul Ramirez Guvara, was found at a Quality Inn in Kinston.

Both men have been arrested and charged with first-degree kidnapping, human trafficking of a child victim, and soliciting a child by computer, among other offenses. Suarez was also taken into custody on an outstanding charge from a previous investigation in Chatham County.

“This case was a great team effort for all involved, and the SBI is very proud of the work done by the entire team and the outcome achieved!” the agency said in a statement. They also thanked the Siler City Police Department, FBI, Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, Asheboro Police Department, and the community for their role in bringing the victim home safely.

Why Was the Amber Alert Delayed?

Questions have emerged regarding the timing of the Amber Alert, which was issued nearly a week after the teen went missing. Authorities initially determined the case did not meet the criteria for an Amber Alert, which requires confirmation of an abduction, the child being under 18, and an imminent danger posed by a non-family member.

Siler City Police Chief Brian Regan explained that after obtaining additional information, investigators submitted another request for the alert, which was then approved. The North Carolina Center for Missing Persons reiterated that alerts are issued based on facts, not demographics, and that law enforcement agencies must notify them once a case meets the required criteria.

Second Human Trafficking Case in a Week

This case follows another Amber Alert earlier in the week for a 15-year-old girl from Harnett County, also tied to human trafficking. Experts warn that young teens, especially 15-year-old girls, are particularly vulnerable to these crimes.

“There are children who don’t have a trusted adult in their lives, and they may be afraid to talk about it,” said Morrissa Moyer from the Center for Missing Persons. “We want to empower our children to ask questions and seek help.”

Both Suarez and Guvara remain in custody, awaiting their first court appearances. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact the Siler City Police Department at 919-742-5626.