HALL COUNTY, Ga. — The search for a missing 12-year-old Gainesville girl is now stretching across several other states, including as far away as Illinois and Texas.
The Hall County Sheriff's Office posted an update last Friday on the search for Maria Gomez-Perez. She was reported missing on May 30, a day after she was last seen in the driveway of her home, and her family and community have been making extensive search efforts since then.
Those efforts have included, most recently this month, a new banner unveiled to help bring her home.
The July 12 update by the sheriff's office said searches have been conducted in other states including Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
"Video images and other media led to HCSO working closely with jurisdictions in those states to quickly mobilize and search for Maria. Unfortunately, she remains missing," the update stated.
Sheriff Gerald Couch said while tips have declined in the case, the sheriff's office is still determined to bring her home. Efforts have included "intelligence, translators, drones, crime scene investigators and simple determination to find clues."
The post said evidence collected from search and digital evidence has "provided hope for a break in the case and continue to be the best investigative resource thus far."
“In the sixth week since Maria was last seen, assistance from our community remains helpful in ensuring this case remains in the spotlight,” Sheriff Couch said. “Whether pledging reward money, organizing signage or sharing fliers, each one of you is appreciated. It is also important to note that scammers have tried to take advantage of this incident using social media. Please remember that the sheriff’s office social media platforms should be your point of reference for legitimate and accurate information on the case.”
A $50,000 reward for helping find Maria remains active, and the sheriff's office says the HCSO Special Investigations Unit (SIU) continues to take tips at (770) 503-3232 or intelrequest@hallcounty.org.
Anyone who sees Maria or knows where she might be can also contact 911.
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