A 12-year-old girl named Maria Gomez-Perez who went missing in Georgia in May has been found safe in Ohio. The authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with her disappearance. Maria was located at a shopping center in Dover, Ohio, with a 31-year-old man named Antonio Agustin, who is a citizen of Guatemala.
According to Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch, Maria had expressed that she was unhappy and wanted to leave home. Agustin reportedly traveled to Georgia to meet Maria at her residence on May 29. The case took a turn last week when Maria reached out to her father through a new social media account, assuring him that she was fine and asking him to stop searching for her.
Law enforcement was able to trace the IP address to a phone in Ohio, leading to the arrest of Agustin on suspicion of rape. Sheriff Couch mentioned that more charges could be added as the investigation progresses. He emphasized the importance of technology in locating Maria but also highlighted the dangers associated with its misuse, as it allowed Maria to leave her hometown with a stranger and travel a significant distance.
Sheriff Couch commended the role of technology in this case, stating that it played a crucial role in finding Maria. He also mentioned the potential for technology to be exploited for nefarious purposes, underscoring the need for vigilance when using digital platforms.
Fox News Digital has sought information from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding Agustin’s immigration status, but no response has been provided yet.
The safe recovery of Maria Gomez-Perez in Ohio brings relief to her family and the community, highlighting the importance of swift action and collaboration between law enforcement agencies in cases of missing persons. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with online interactions and the significance of monitoring children’s online activities to ensure their safety.
