Authorities are continuing the urgent search for 15-year-old Alisa Petrov, who disappeared from South Jordan, Utah, on April 21, 2025. As the investigation intensifies, court documents have revealed chilling online conversations between Petrov and adult men, offering a disturbing glimpse into how online predators may have groomed and manipulated the missing teen into running away.
Predatory conversations and grooming
#AlisaPetrov is still missing. Now 3 men that she was talking to online are in jail, including the one who was at large. pic.twitter.com/Sa712CSQaE
— Gisela K (@truecrimegisela) May 29, 2025
A key figure in the investigation is Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, of Miami, Florida, who was charged on May 16 with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a minor, and criminal solicitation. Investigators discovered messages on the hidden iPad detailing plans for Petrov to meet Menard in Las Vegas, then travel to Los Angeles, and eventually to his residence in Miami.
“Matt tells the victim he will fly to Las Vegas for a business trip later in May, and she can lay low until he gets there,” reads a search warrant affidavit viewed by Utah news outlet KSLTV, capturing the sinister tone of the exchanges.
The warrant adds, “They then planned to fly to Los Angeles, CA, together for several days, before ultimately going back to Miami, FL, where Matt lives.”
Menard surrendered to police in South Jordan on May 29. Until then, investigators had considered it possible that Petrov may have been with him.
Additional suspects: online predator Network
Two other men have also been arrested in connection to the Petrov disappearance. William Taylor Glines, 37, was arrested in Texas on May 8 after communications with Petrov were linked to his online accounts. One key message was sent from a stranger’s phone at a bus stop, indicating Petrov had gone to lengths to stay in touch even after losing access to her phone.
Samuel Teancum Mitchell, 41, from Herriman, Utah, was arrested on May 29. Messages exchanged on Discord revealed sexually explicit conversations and a planned meeting. Petrov allegedly asked him to “kidnap her” and provided specific locations, such as Alta ski resort, about 30 miles outside Salt Lake City, where she said she would be waiting.
Although Mitchell initially denied knowing Petrov’s real identity, a search of his phone revealed disturbing evidence, including images of girls aged 12–15 and solicitations of nude photos from children. He now faces multiple felony charges for sexual exploitation of a minor.
The day Petrov disappeared
#AlisaPetrov is still missing from UT! A 3rd man has been questioned pertaining to her disappearance! #SamuelMitchell (41), was in contact with her before she went missing! She gave him her location multiple times & even asked him to kidnap her…
— Matt Thibodeau (@MattThibodeau) May 29, 2025
TikTok: https://t.co/nhad35naTa pic.twitter.com/0ksNBzqA8L
Petrov was last seen the morning of April 21, 2025, when her mother dropped her off at school in American Fork, Utah. However, she never entered the building. Surveillance footage later showed Petrov at a nearby TRAX station and traveling to Provo. According to court documents obtained by KSLTV, that is where she was last seen on foot.
Authorities believe Petrov had been planning her disappearance for days. In an interview with KSLTV, her mother stated that she later discovered Alisa had searched for bus tickets to Las Vegas and had hidden an iPad containing secret conversations with multiple adult men.
Petrov still missing
As of May 30, 2025, Petrov remains missing. Police and the FBI continue to investigate leads across multiple states. Her family has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to her safe return. Tips can be submitted to the South Jordan Police Department or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.
