Finding Maria: $50K Offered For Info In GA Girl's Disappearance

GAINESVILLE, GA — A reward continues to increase in the three-week search for Maria Gomez-Perez, a 12-year-old Gainesville girl who disappeared from her Westside Drive home on May 29.

The reward for her safe return has been raised by $20,000, bringing the total to $50,000, the Hall County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. Community members and those in business are offering the funding for the reward, authorities said.

“As I said last week, someone in the community has that single clue or one piece of information that could lead to finding Maria," Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said in a news release. "I am hopeful the increased reward will prompt that person to come forward. Meanwhile, our personnel remain vigilant in their investigation.”

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

A be on the lookout was previously issued 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.

While authorities said they have received 142 tips, some remain under investigation while others did not lead to Gomez-Perez's location.

"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," authorities said in the release.

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.