As the investigation of Maria Gomez-Perez, the missing Gainesville girl, enters its third week, another anonymous donor has contributed money to increase the reward money to $50,000. Sheriff Gerald Couch said in a press release on June 19 that the contributions come from business and community members who wish to remain anonymous.
“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,” Sheriff Couch said. “Meanwhile, our personnel remain vigilant in their investigation.”
Couch indicated that the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), in partnership with other local, state, and federal law enforcement officials, has followed up on 142 tips in the case. Some of those are still being investigated.
HCSO wants to remind community members who are on the lookout for Maria that the girl’s general appearance may have changed in the last three weeks. Those who are searching on their own should be very cautious and not conduct their own investigations into Maria’s disappearance. Individual searches could be dangerous for citizens and for Maria as well.
HCSO urges anyone with information on Maria’s disappearance to call (770) 503-3232 or email [email protected]. Individuals with tips may also call 911 or Hall County 911/Central Communications at (770) 536-8812. Those offering tips can remain anonymous.
