A Utah girl who disappeared at 15 was held captive for over 500 days by an Oregon man accused of sadistic crimes, with new details emerging about the harrowing conditions she endured. Adam Hunter Harmel, 39, was federally charged on Monday with traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Authorities allege that Harmel groomed Kylie Arellano on social media and gaming platforms. She vanished on May 29, 2025, prompting a large-scale search by multiple agencies, including the FBI. The investigation remained at a dead end for months until another minor reported meeting Arellano on the online game AmongUs.
Arellano reportedly told the other minor she had run away and was being held against her will at a man's home in Oregon. The FBI monitored video calls between the minors, during which Arellano detailed her alleged experience with Harmel. She stated that Harmel convinced her to come to Oregon by claiming to be disabled and offering her money. He then allegedly drove to Utah, picked her up, took her to his home in Oregon, destroyed her phone, and forced her to stay inside.
According to the criminal complaint, Arellano claimed she slept in the same bed as Harmel in the basement, with him keeping a knife under his pillow to prevent her escape. She also alleged that Harmel forced her to remove her braces with pliers to hinder her identification.
Arellano stated that Harmel expressed a desire to start a family with her and indicated a sexual preference for minors. Authorities found Arellano on Sunday and returned her to Utah. Harmel made his initial court appearance in Boise, Idaho, on Wednesday. His extradition to Utah is pending.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the FBI and its partners are committed to pursuing and bringing to justice those who exploit and prey upon children. U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak added that such individuals will be investigated and held accountable.
Arellano's mother, Stephanie Coleman, expressed her relief on social media, writing, "I brought you home baby girl!" Earlier reports from search warrants had raised questions about claims made by Coleman regarding her daughter's disappearance and alleged text messages. Police also noted potential bloodstains in the family home, which Coleman attributed to a cat.