'We don't have any concrete leads:' $15,000 reward offered for tips on missing Maine girl
PORTLAND (WGME) – Maine State Police and the FBI are now offering a $15,000 reward to find a missing 14-year-old girl from New Sweden, Maine.
Stefanie Damron was last seen on September 23 walking into the woods behind her home.
Damron disappeared two and a half months ago and ever since, there's been no sign of her.
Monday, the FBI and Maine State Police offered a new reward, hoping it leads to her whereabouts.
Investigators say over the last few months, they've conducted dozens of interviews and followed up on leads in Maine, other states and Canada, but as of now, investigators have no idea where she might be.
"Everything is still on the table for us, from her simply being missing to runaway to the worst situation, because we don't have any concrete leads or tips that have led us basically in one direction or the other," Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit North Lieutenant Darrin Crane said.
They did receive a tip that Damron may have connected with someone on social media.
"To our knowledge, Stefanie does not have current access to electronic devices, and has limited access to social media," Maine State Police Investigations Division Major Scott Gosselin said.
State police say Damron does have a history of running away from home.
"This was not uncommon behavior for Stefanie," Gosselin said.
The hope is that she's somewhere safe.
"Our hearts are with the family and friends of 14-year-old Stefanie Damron, who are patiently waiting for answers about her disappearance and are hoping for her safe return home," FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kimberly Milka said.
Maine State Police and the FBI are now offering a sizable reward for information that will lead them to Damron.
"The FBI is offering a significant award of up to $15,000 for information leading to her safe return, or the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in her disappearance," Milka said.
They're also asking for the public's help.
"We know many of you want to help, which is why we are asking the public to review Stefanie's missing person poster and share it on social media," Milka said.
The FBI got involved in this case because Damron may have crossed state lines or into Canada.
If you have any information about Stefanie Damron's whereabouts, or her disappearance, you're asked to call the Maine State Police Houlton Barracks at 1-800-924-2261 or 207-532-5400, or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
You can also submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.