Child Abduction Regional Emergency

Los Angeles - 15 year-old Rosa Leticia Ramirez, was last seen by her parents at her residence located on the 400 block of S. Rampart Boulevard on Tuesday, February 7, 2001, at approximately 5:50 a.m. Ramirez was last seen wearing a black sweater, white blouse and blue pants. At this time, her parents believe Leticia Ramirez may have been coerced to leave with or kidnapped by a neighbor. This neighbor, Jorge Mendez, may be taking Ramirez across the United States border into Mexico. There is currently some evidence that Leticia Ramirez was coerced and/or taken against her will.

The Los Angeles Police Department is currently looking for both suspect Jorge Mendez and victim Leticia Ramirez. Mendez is described as a male Hispanic, 5 foot 6 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, a thin build and a medium complexion. Mendez may be driving a blue, 2-door Toyota Celica. Mendez may also be driving a 1987, green, 2-door Nissan Sentra with California license plate number 3SNM971.

This investigation is being handled by Rampart Operations Support Division Detective Carol King. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Jorge Mendez and/or victim Leticia Ramirez is urged to call Detective King at Rampart Detectives, 213-207-2051, or Rampart Area Community Police Station at 213-485-4061.

Photographs of Leticia Ramirez are available to members of the local media at Rampart Area Community Police Station, located at 2710 West Temple Street, Los Angeles.

This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.