Man sexually abused missing 14-year-old he hired at nightclub, Texas cops say
_fitted.png "A missing teenage girl was found to be working at a Texas nightclub, and was being sexually abused by the man accused of hiring her, investigators say.")
A Texas man is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a missing 14-year-old girl who officials say he hired to work at a nightclub, news outlets report.
Oscar Merlo Jr., 41, is accused of employing the teenager to provide bottle service and entertainment for VIP section customers at Chateau Chanel Night Club, an adults only club in San Antonio, the San Antonio Express-News reported, citing court records. She was paid about $300 to $400 a night for this, authorities said.
The nightclub told McClatchy News it has “absolutely no part in the allegations being discussed.”
“Mr. Oscar (Merlo) has never been involved in organizing, assisting, or managing any of our events in any capacity,” and the club does “not employ or associate with any bottle girls or similar services at our events,” an emailed statement read.
“We fully understand the seriousness of these allegations and the impact they can have,” it continued. “We want to make it known that we are fully committed to cooperating with any investigation or inquiry to ensure the truth is brought to light.”
When reached for comment, police stood by investigators’ claims and maintain that Merlo “worked in a managerial role” at the club.
Investigators say Merlo knew the teen was underage and he gave her a fake ID card that listed her age as 19, the outlet reported.
Merlo is facing charges of child sexual assault and exploitation of a child, records filed Oct. 2 in Bexar County show.
No attorney information was listed for Merlo as of Oct. 5.
Merlo is also accused of performing sex acts with the teen at the club and at his home, KENS reported.
The girl had been reported missing and was listed as a runaway, officials said, the station reported. She revealed the alleged abuse by Merlo in an interview with police, investigators said.
The U.S. Marshals Service helped locate the missing girl, as did the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which informed police that the girl’s social media was linked to the nightclub and to Merlo, KSAT reported. Additionally, the girl could be seen in photos posted to social media by the club.
Merlo’s bond was set at $200,000, records show.
This story was originally published October 6, 2025 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Man sexually abused missing 14-year-old he hired at nightclub, Texas cops say."