It has been five weeks since Maria Gomez-Perez was last seen at her home on Westside Drive in Gainesville. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office says investigators continue to field tips and follow up on leads in their efforts to find the missing 12-year-old.
In a news release this week, a sheriff’s office spokesperson said they are grateful for the ongoing involvement of local citizens in the investigation.
Community guidelines
“Submitting tips, distributing flyers, and posting signs has been instrumental in keeping Maria’s case top of mind for our community,” the release states. However, officials urge caution. They issued a list of guidelines for people to follow in the ongoing search. Those guidelines include:
- DO keep your eyes open for Maria. HCSO has shared photos on the agency’s Facebook, Instagram, and X platforms, so you know what Maria looks like. Remember, however, her appearance (hair length, for example) might have changed in the last five weeks.
- DO NOT search for Maria on your own. Even searching with groups of people is not completely safe. If you think you have seen Maria or if you have heard something about her location, please contact law enforcement immediately.
- DO share tips if you have seen or heard something that might lead to Maria’s safe return. HCSO asks that you share tips directly with its Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB) at 770- 503-3232 or [email protected]. Citizens may also call 911 or Hall County Dispatch/Central Communications at 770-536-8812.
- DO NOT submit tips to third-party websites or social media platforms. Sharing tips with anyone other than law enforcement could delay vital information needed to bring Maria home.
- DO be careful where you submit donations. The current reward fund for Maria’s safe return remains at $50,000. That money has been contributed by local businesses and community members who have been carefully vetted by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office thanked everyone involved in the search for the young girl, stating, “Our goal remains Maria’s safe return to her family. “
