The reward for information leading to the discovery of 12-year-old Georgia girl, Maria Gomez-Perez, has increased to $50,000.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, a team of over two dozen local, state, and federal investigators is “dedicated to the safe return” of Maria, who was last seen at her home on Westside Drive, near Atlanta Highway, in Hall County at around 10 a.m. on May 29.
Investigators now suspect that Maria may have met someone when she left her residence. Sheriff Gerald Couch noted that they conducted a thorough search of her home, repeatedly interviewed all residents, examined various electronic devices, and distributed thousands of flyers in their efforts to find her.
Couch said that investigators received hundreds of tips in the case. Some of the tips are still under investigation.
“As I said last week, someone in the community has that single clue or one piece of information that could lead to finding Maria. I am hopeful the increased reward will prompt that person to come forward,” Couch said. “Meanwhile, our personnel remain vigilant in their investigation.”
Earlier this month, the sheriff’s office said that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation denied a request for a Levi’s Call because the disappearance did not meet all the requirements.
“In answer to a frequently asked question about the case, HCSO investigators did indeed reach out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to request a Levi’s Call, Georgia’s version of the Amber Alert,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement to FOX 5 Atlanta.
“After a review of the facts of the case with GBI officials, the GBI determined that Maria’s case did not meet three out of five activation criteria:
- Law enforcement officials have a reasonable belief that an abduction has occurred.
- Law enforcement officials believe that the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
- Enough descriptive information exists about the victim and the abductor for law enforcement to issue a Levi’s Call.
“When Levi’s Call requests are denied, the GBI routinely offers and provides a Media Advisory. The GBI disseminated a Media Advisory on behalf of HCSO and Maria to metro and north Georgia broadcast partners over the weekend, with contact information for new information and tips.”
Maria is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall about 100 to 110 pounds with long black hair and brown eyes. She was believed to be wearing a bright blue shirt when she vanished.
According to the sheriff’s office, the reward funds were raised by anonymous donations from local businesses and community members.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at 770-503-3232 or email: intelrequest@hallcounty.org.
[Feature Photo via HCSO]
