A Vancouver family searching for their missing teen fears she may have gotten caught up in the local sex-trafficking scene. While Vancouver police investigate the disappearance of 16-year-old Isabella Castillo, the family is asking the public for help in the search.

Castillo was last seen by her aunt and guardian, Cymany O’Brien, around noon Monday when she left for class. O’Brien believes Castillo may be involved with sex-trafficking because one of her friends said she was with a girl known in the local sex-trafficking world.

O’Brien met the girl about 10 months ago after Castillo ran away with her for a few days. O’Brien picked her up at a gas station, returning her to their home in the Heights neighborhood of central Vancouver.

Although O’Brien discouraged Castillo from hanging out with the girl after she learned of her involvement in sex-trafficking, Castillo was convinced her friend would never lead her down that path.

O’Brien last heard from her niece Monday night, when she received a text message from an unknown number. “Cym this is Isabella. I wanted you to know I’m safe. I’m so sorry for doing this and I’m sorry for putting stress on you. I keep trying to do better, but I keep messing up and (I don’t know) how to fix it. I’m sorry. If you reply I won’t get your message. I’m sorry. I love you and thank you for everything. I’m safe,” the text message said.