The Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Wednesday urged individuals and groups not to search for Maria Gomez-Perez “on your own,” adding, “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.”
In its weekly update of the now month-old-plus search, the sheriff’s office emphasized that they are still getting tips and following leads on her whereabout. Gomez-Perez, who is 12-year-old, was last seen five weeks ago at her home on Westside Drive.
HCSO NEWS RELEASE:
Even though Maria remains missing, our agency remains committed to her safe return.
HCSO is thankful for the ongoing involvement of local citizens in the investigation. Submitting tips,
distributing flyers and posting signs has been instrumental in keeping Maria’s case top of mind for
our community. That said, HCSO urges caution when it comes to community participation.
In addition to urging individuals and groups not to undertake searches themselves, the sheriff’s office asks that you keep the following pointers in mind:
*DO keep your eyes open for Maria. HCSO has shared photos on the agency 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 share tips if you have seen or heard something that might lead to Maria’s safe return.
We ask that you share tips directly with our 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.”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This release has been edited for brevity and to remove duplicate material.)