New Details In Missing Morris County Teacher Case

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Although the search for a missing Morris County teacher continues, police have stated that they no longer believe that Lara Emanuele's disappearance is suspicious in nature.

Emanuele, 46, from Roxbury, has been missing since June 8.

In the nearly two weeks since her disappearance, law enforcement has canvassed the woods of Berkshire Valley State Wildlife Management Area, which borders the Mount Arlington Holiday Inn Express, where the woman's vehicle was found abandoned.

The hotel is about five miles from her home, according to property records.

• Read more: Search For Missing North Jersey Teacher Drags On: What We Know

According to Meghan Knab, a spokeswoman for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, the coordinated search operation has been underway daily since last Thursday.

It currently includes technical assistance from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Roxbury Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and New Jersey Search and Rescue.

Knab told Patch that the case is still being investigated as a missing persons case.

"We will notify the public if the focus and status of the investigation changes," Knab said.

As the search continues, authorities have asked community members to avoid further searches in Berkshire Valley, where their presence could confuse K-9 dogs sent to track Emanuele's movements.

Police have asked hunters who have installed trail cameras in the Berkshire Valley to review all footage captured since June 7 and contact Det. Tom Gaboda directly at tgaboda@roxburypd.com if they see anyone on their recordings.

As of Tuesday, June 20, the Morris County Prosecutor's Office could not confirm whether any footage had been submitted.

“I’d like to assure the public that all capabilities available to law enforcement are being utilized to locate Lara. We understand the public’s concerns, and we will do our best to update the community whenever possible," Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll said.