Los Angeles: On Thursday, June 20, 2002, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Ms. Stephanie Havatone left her 10 month old baby, Elias Chavez, in the care of Denise Sanchez at 628 South San Julian Street. Ms. Sanchez was to return the baby by 6:00 p.m. Denise Sanchez, however, failed to return the baby and has not been located since. She was last seen at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the area of 5^th Street and San Pedro Street.

Elias Chavez is described as male Hispanic, with black hair and brown eyes. He is approximately 2 feet tall, weighs 35 pounds. His date of birth is July 25, 2001. Elias was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue and green pants and black sandals. He was in a stroller with curbed yellow handles.

Denise Sanchez is described as a female Hispanic, with blonde shoulder length hair, 5 feet 2 or 3 inches tall, medium build, 19 or 20 years of age. She is a transient. Denise was last seen wearing a yellow tank top and blue jeans.

A command post has been setup to coordinate the search for Elias at the Los Angeles Police Central Community Station, 251 East Six Street. A Photo of Elias Chavez is available at the command post for media reproduction.

Central Operations Support Division Detective Moller is in charge of the investigation. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is urged to contact Detective Moller at 213-485-2671. On weekends or after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detectives Information Desk at 877-LAWFULL.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Eduardo Funes, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.