The FBI is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of a Maine teen who vanished more than two months ago.
Stefanie Damron, 14, of New Sweden, Maine, was reported missing by her family Sept. 24, according to authorities.
"The FBI hopes this reward will incentivize anyone with information relating to Stefanie's whereabouts to come forward. Any detail, no matter how small, could be helpful," Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division, said in a statement Monday.
"Stefanie's family desperately wants to know where she is, and we are fully committed to helping our law enforcement partners exhaust every investigative resource to find her and bring her home."
Loved ones previously said Stefanie disappeared following a dispute with a sibling. She was last seen walking into the woods behind her home.
"Stefanie got into an argument with her sister while we were gone and walked off. We live a half mile back in the woods and our kids are very comfortable in their surroundings so there was nothing to raise flags the first few hours," her parents said in a statement to WAGM-TV in October.
"Our children are home-schooled and taught the basics and sent to Job Corp for their GEDs. CPS has been in our house, verified and confirmed everything. We had nothing to do with this, we just want our baby home."
Since the onset of the search for Stefanie, efforts to locate the teen have proven unsuccessful, despite information that led investigators to follow-up on tips nationwide and in Canada.
"The Maine State Police remain steadfast in our investigation into Stefanie's disappearance. Every lead, no matter how small, is being thoroughly pursued to find her," Maine State Police Colonel William Ross stated, joining the FBI's announcement, earlier this week.
"We deeply appreciate the FBI's support as we continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. Your tip could be the key to resolving this case and providing answers for Stefanie's family."
Stefanie is 5-foot tall, 130 pounds, with green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt, and black Harley Davidson hiking boots.
