Hall County Sheriff's Office Holds Press Conference on Maria Gomez-Perez Search Update

On Tuesday, the Hall County Sheriff's Office held a press conference to inform the public of the disappearance of 12-year-old Maria Gomez-Perez.

Gomez-Perez went missing on May 29 and has yet to be found.

“Make no mistake, the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and many other agencies have Maria’s image engraved in our hearts and minds,” Couch said.

Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch spoke to the press, saying the latest search of Gomez-Perez's home took place last weekend and included agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Couch said their work at home involved interviews, forensic exams, electronics and K-9 classes.

Other agencies include the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Homeland Security, the Gainesville Police Department and the Guatemalan Consulate General in Atlanta, according to Couch.

Currently on the case are 12 FBI investigators, four GBI investigators, six Homeland Security officials and about 50 Hall County investigators, all of whom were involved in the case, Couch said.

Couch also told reporters that it was possible that Gomez-Perez was contacted on the day of her disappearance, which could have played a role in her disappearance. They also believe that most or all of his family is from Guatemala, so the Guatemalan consulate general was asked to help arrange interviews and translations.

School officials, friends, social media friends and neighbors were all interviewed according to Couch.

The FBI is taking control of out-of-state leads and phones have been seized with data downloaded by investigators looking for potential leads.

The department used drones and maritime units to inspect ports on Lake Lanier. Officials are using a grid-style search to try to bring Gomez-Perez home.

Couch says since the hotlines were released, they have received 50 tips on top of the 20 they already had.

Other efforts included posting posters, four traffic information signs and three public service announcements on digital billboards.

Couch also reminded the public of the $20,000 reward paid by the anonymous citizens and to come forward with any information.

“Someone in the community has information that is valuable to us, but they need to come forward,” Couch said.

Community representative Art Gallegos, Jr. joined WDUN's The Drive Tuesday at 5 p.m. to share the additional efforts being made by those involved.

“I think what's happened here is the Latino community has stepped up,” Gallegos said. “I just came out of a meeting with pastors here in Gainesville and a lot of the community joined forces. There is a task force in the Latino community made up of pastors, leaders, business owners, family members, and even school, family friends who have joined this task force, including including law enforcement and agencies to assist in the search for Maria Gomez. »

Anyone with information on Maria's whereabouts is asked to call (770) 503-3232, 911 or (770) 536-8812. Those with tips can also email Hall County detectives at [email protected].