The FBI declared Tuesday that it is providing a reward of up to $15,000 for any information that can lead to finding Lori Paige – a 12-year-old girl who disappeared from Tallahassee, Florida, on June 3, 2023.
“The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding children, and we are fully dedicated to aiding our partners at Tallahassee Police Department in utilizing all available investigative means to locate Lori Paige,” said FBI Jacksonville Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis to WTXL, the local ABC affiliate in Tallahassee.
“We urge everyone to be vigilant for this young girl and assist us in reuniting her with her family.” Per the FBI, Lori has connections to or may frequent Tallahassee, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Thomasville, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee.
ABC News has contacted the FBI Field Office in Jacksonville for further input as the agency aids the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) in the quest for the missing girl.
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Alicia Hill, a public information officer for the Tallahassee PD, informed WTXL that the police, along with the Tallahassee Fire Department, commenced a search for Lori at the San Luis Mission Park in the northwestern sector of the city.
Hill noted that though the park had been searched before, this was the first “grid search” of the 64-acre area, half a mile from where Lori was last spotted.
“A grid search entails meticulously combing through an area, particularly a large one, inch by inch, ensuring thorough coverage,” Hill explained to reporters at the search site. “Given the extensive size of the park, significant resources, manpower, and time are required for such an operation.”
On the matter of whether foul play is suspected, police did not immediately respond.
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Pastor Rudy Ferguson, a community activist in Tallahassee aiding in the search for Lori, told WTXL that the recent search, involving approximately 90 individuals, illustrates Tallahassee’s determination to locate Lori.
Ferguson expressed relief at law enforcement’s increased attention to Lori’s case but stressed the importance of community involvement. “We need the civilians; we need the citizens of Tallahassee to play a role as well to help find the young Lori,” he said.
A Feb. 1 media advisory from police stated that TPD’s Special Victims Unit continues to “tirelessly explore every lead and resource to locate [Lori Paige].”
“The length of time that has passed and her young age only heightens our concerns for her well-being,” the statement said. “Despite our persistent efforts, Lori remains out of contact with her family and friends. However, we remain committed to bringing her home safely.”
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Police described the 12-year-old as a student at Griffin Middle School, last seen on June 3, 2023, in the 1200 block of Continental Ct. She is defined as a dark-skinned Black female with shoulder-length dreadlocks, black hair, brown eyes, and about 120 pounds.
Her attire at the time of disappearance is unknown, but she may have had a multicolored backpack. Police urge anyone with information on Lori’s whereabouts to contact TPD at 850-891-4200.
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