Missing 12-year-old Georgia girl found in Ohio with 34-year-old man she met online

A much-discussed missing child case has ended with the discovery of a 12 years old and the arrest of a 34 years old the man who hid her.

Maria Gomez-Perez disappeared from her home in Gainesville, Georgiaon May 29Her disappearance caused panic, with a $20,000 reward being collected for information leading to her. Her father, Andrés Gomez, reported her missing. Several tips came in, but none led to Maria until last week when the child reportedly contacted Andres herself.

Investigators say the concerned father received a Facebook message from someone who identified themselves as the missing girl. Maria reportedly told her father she was fine but would not be returning home. The DM was sent from a newly created account. Andres alerted police, who tracked the IP address to Dover, Ohio. They found Mary with Antonio Augustin at a swimming pool on Thursday, July 26th. He was arrested and she was safely returned to her family.

After his daughter was found safe, Andres spoke to 11 Alive, expressing his gratitude and confidence.

“Right now I’m grateful to God that I trusted that she came back and that she’s still alive,” Andrés said.

So far, Agustin has been charged with interfering with custody, but more charges are expected. Police will also question Maria more about her time with Agustin. Investigators make it clear that the young girl in this case is a victim and should be treated as such.

“Let me be very clear about this – Maria is the victim here. Remember, she is only 12 years old,” Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said during a press conference.