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
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 s. 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
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.
Published: May 30, 2025 12:05 pm