x
Breaking News
More () »

FBI offers $10,000 reward in search for missing 5-year-old believed to be in Mexico

The FBI believes Aranza Maria Ochoa Lopez is located in Mexico but said California residents may have important information to the case as an individual the little girl may be residing or traveling with has ties to the San Diego area.
Credit: FBI

SAN DIEGO — The FBI asked for help on Tuesday in the search for a missing 5-year-old who was reportedly taken from a mall in Vancouver, Washington last year. The agency, which is offering at $10,000 reward, believes Aranza Maria Ochoa Lopez is located in Mexico but said California residents may have important information to the case as an individual the little girl may be residing or traveling with has ties to the San Diego area.  

Aranza was allegedly removed from a Washington mall on October 25, 2018 by her biological mother Esmeralda Lynn Lopez during a supervised visit. Prior to taking the girl, Esmeralda is accused of kidnapping and robbing a man in Vancouver, taking his car. 

Esmeralda was charged with kidnapping in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, theft in the second degree, identity theft in the second degree, and custodial interference in the first degree in Clark County, Washington, and a state warrant was issued for her arrest on October 26, 2018, according to the FBI.  

RELATED: Amber Alert issued in California for girl last seen in Washington

It is believed that Aranza and Esmeralda may be residing or traveling in Mexico with Esmeralda's boyfriend, Gabriel Garcia Santos.  

Esmeralda is described as a 21-year-old “White (Hispanic) American female”. She has brown hair, brown eyes, is 5'0", and weighs 138 pounds. Esmeralda speaks fluent English and Spanish and may use the following aliases: Esmerlada Lopez Lopez, Esmerelda Lopez Lopez, Esmeralda Lopez Lopez, and Esmeralda Lynn Lopez.  

She may display erratic behavior and should be considered a flight risk, according to the FBI.  

Aranza is described as a “White (Hispanic) American female” with blonde or light brown hair. She was 3’4” to 3’6” and around 40 to 42 pounds at the time of her disappearance. She has pierced ears and blue eyes. The FBI said her appearance may have been altered using hair dye or makeup.  

If you have any information concerning the location of these three individuals, please call the FBI's Seattle Field Office at (206) 622-0460. Tips may also be submitted anonymously online at tips.fbi.gov. You may also contact your local FBI office, or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.   

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the recovery of Aranza Lopez, and the location, arrest, and conviction of Esmeralda Lynn Lopez.

Before You Leave, Check This Out