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

GAINESVILLE, GA — Authorities in Hall County are continuing to search for a 12-year-old Gainesville girl they say disappeared last week from her Westside Drive home.

Maria Gomez-Perez disappeared around 10 a.m. Wednesday from Westside near Pearl Nix Parkway, authorities said.

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 sheriff's office requested a Levi's Call for Gomez-Perez with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; however, authorities said their request did not meet three of the five criteria to activate a Levi's Call. A Levi's Call is Georgia's version of an Amber Alert.

Authorities said the following criteria was not met:

• Law enforcement officials have a reasonable belief that an abduction has occurred.
• Law enforcement officials believe that the child is in imminent danger or serious bodily injury or death.
• Enough descriptive information exists about the victim and the abductor for law enforcement to issue a Levi's Call.

"When Levi’s Call requests are denied, the GBI routinely offers and provides a media advisory. GBI disseminated a media advisory on behalf of HCSO and Maria to metro and north Georgia broadcast partners over the weekend with contact information for new information and tips," authorities said in a news release.

Three tips received thus far via 911 failed to lead authorities to Gomez-Perez's location, they said.

Authorities said they share in the community's concern regarding Gomez-Perez's disappearance and wellbeing.

"Many have made accusations that the Hall County Sheriff’s Office is doing minimal work in trying to find Maria. To the contrary, we have a team of investigators who have been, and are continuing to, diligently work this case. Our goal is to bring Maria home and ensure she is safe. We know the community wants that, too," 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.

"Please continue to keep Maria in your prayers as we continue to investigate her whereabouts," authorities said in the release.