$30K Reward Offered For Safe Return Of Missing GA Girl: Cops

GAINESVILLE, GA — As authorities continue searching for a missing 12-year-old Gainesville girl, a reward for information leading to her safe return has been increased to $30,000.

Maria Gomez-Perez has been missing from her Westside Drive home since May 29 and is considered endangered, the Hall County Sheriff's Office. While authorities said they have received 70 tips, none of them led to Gomez-Perez's location.

An anonymous resident previously offered a $20,000 reward for information in connection with her disappearance. Authorities said Wednesday an anonymous businessperson is adding $10,000 to the reward.

“As investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies push
forward in efforts to locate Maria, I am again thankful for another outpouring of support with the
extra reward funding,” Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said in a news release. “Someone in the community has that single clue or piece of information that could lead to Maria. I pray this increased reward is encouragement for them to come forward.”

RELATED: BOLO Issued For Missing 'Endangered' Gainesville Girl: Sheriff

A be on the lookout was issued Thursday for Gomez-Perez, who is considered to be endangered.

She is described by authorities as being 5-feet-3-inches tall and weighs between 100-110 pounds. Gomez-Perez has brown eyes and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a bright blue shirt, authorities said.

The criteria was not met to issue a Levi's Call, authorities previously said.

Couch held a news conference Tuesday to update the community on efforts to find Gomez-Perez.

RELATED: $20K Reward Offered In Disappearance Of GA Girl

More than 50 team members of the Criminal Investigations Bureau have been searching for Gomez-Perez, and authorities said most of them have worked double-time since she disappeared. Other departments within the sheriff's office and external agencies have lended their efforts toward the search.

“We are all doing everything within our power to bring Maria home safe and sound,” Couch said. “Make no mistake, the men and women of the sheriff’s office and numerous other agencies
have Maria’s image burned into our hearts and minds.”

Interviews have been done with Gomez-Perez's family, believed to be from Guatemala, and school officials among others, authorities said.

A Marine Unit boat has been used to search portions of a lake, drones and K9s have been deployed and door-to-door canvasing has taken place in efforts to locate Gomez-Perez, authorities said.

Investigators are asking for video footage in connection with the case, authorities said.

On Patrol: Live and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have featured Gomez-Perez on their respective online channels.

RELATED: Levi's Call Denied In Disappearance Of Gainesville Girl, 12: Sheriff

“We understand that cases like these can leave the community very unsettled, wanting to do anything it can to help. First, it sounds cliché, but remember Maria and the folks working to bring her home in your thoughts and prayers,” Couch said.

“Someone out in the community has that one clue or bit of information that could be the key to
breaking this case wide open. I urge anyone who might have information about Maria’s disappearance to reach out to our investigators and share what they have."

Anonymous tipsters can call the Special Investigations Unit, (770) 503-3232 or email tips to the sheriff's office. They can also call 911 or (770) 536-8812.