Authorities in Georgia are continuing their search for a missing 12-year-old girl who was last seen at her father's house in Gainesville late last month. The community has rallied together, raising $20,000 in hopes of ensuring the safe return of Maria Gomez Perez.
While investigators do not believe that Maria was kidnapped, they do fear that she may be in danger. Despite this concern, her disappearance did not meet the criteria necessary to issue Georgia's version of an Amber Alert.
The sheriff's office is hopeful that the substantial reward money will encourage someone to come forward with information that could lead to Maria's whereabouts. The community is left with many unanswered questions as they anxiously await news of her safe return.
