August 2, 2008 -
A 19-year-old man who police say took a 12-year-old girl to his high school prom is wanted in the investigation of rape of a child.Teachers and administrators at the girl's elementary school were sufficiently worried enough when they saw the prom pictures to contact the Division of Child and Family Services in May which led to an investigation.
Detectives say the case is disturbing not only because of the sexual assault but also because the man took the young girl to his prom and no one at the dance seemed bothered by it. Salt Lake City police detective Jeff Bedard said Friday he didn't have an explanation as to why not one student or teacher from the school where the prom was held contacted authorities.
"That's a question we just don't have any answers for. It's very alarming for us that you can have a 12-year-old go to a prom with a 19-year-old and nobody notices," he said.
Police have not identified the high school. They say the girl looked 12. An arrest warrant was issued for Everardo Diaz-Sandoval.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts can call Salt Lake's Tips For Cash hotline at 799-INFO. All calls can remain anonymous. Tips with information leading to an arrest and conviction are eligible for a cash reward
