17-Year-Old California Girl Missing for Months After Leaving Home to Meet Man

T'Neya Tovar allegedly traveled 70 miles to Thermal, Calif. to meet an unidentified adult male, authorities say.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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T'Neya Tovar, a 17-year-old girl from Hemet, California, has been missing for two months after authorities say she left home to meet an unidentified adult man. Tovar was reported missing on December 1, 2025, and it is believed she traveled 70 miles to Thermal, California to meet the man.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of online predators targeting vulnerable minors and the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in locating missing children, especially those who may have willingly left home to meet an adult they connected with online or through social media.

The details

According to reports, Tovar usually shared her location with friends and family members, but that sharing stopped on the day of her disappearance. The FBI and Riverside County Sheriff's Office are handling the investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information about Tovar's whereabouts to come forward.

  • T'Neya Tovar was reported missing on December 1, 2025.
  • Tovar allegedly traveled 70 miles to Thermal, California to meet an unidentified adult male.

The players

T'Neya Tovar

A 17-year-old girl from Hemet, California who has been missing since December 1, 2025.

Charro Tovar

T'Neya Tovar's mother, who stated that her daughter usually shared her location with friends and family but that the sharing stopped on the day of her disappearance.

Riverside County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency handling the investigation into T'Neya Tovar's disappearance.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency assisting in the investigation into T'Neya Tovar's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“T'Neya, we all love and miss you so much. We are thinking about you every day and will not stop searching until you are found safe. I need you to come back home to me.”

— Charro Tovar, T'Neya Tovar's mother (KTLA)

The takeaway

This case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of open communication between parents and children, as well as the need for continued vigilance and education around the risks of online predators targeting minors.