Reward for missing Maria increased to $50,000

PRESS RELEASE – (June 19, 2024) –

As the investigation into the disappearance of 12-year-old Maria Gomez-Perez of Gainesville enters its third week, the reward for the girl’s safe return is now $50,000.  All of the reward money has been contributed by business and community members who wish to remain anonymous.

Sheriff Gerald Couch extended his appreciation for the ongoing community support of law enforcement efforts to bring Maria home.

“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.”

To date, investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), in partnership with other local, state and federal law enforcement officials, have fielded 142 tips in Maria’s case. Many of those tips have been vetted with negative results; others remain under investigation.

HCSO reminds 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.

Follow this link for the updated flyer:

https://www.hallcounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/13203/LATEST-Flier-missing-GOMEZ-PEREZ-85×11