GBI Investigates Missing Child

Cornelia, Georgia (July 15, 2020) – On Wednesday, July 15, 2020, just after 7:00 AM, a missing 12-year-old female from Cornelia, Georgia was located and is safe in Palm Beach County, Florida with local authorities. 

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at approximately 11 AM, the child’s family believed that she had run a routine errand, but she never returned home.  At approximately 8 PM, the family of the missing child reported her disappearance to the Cornelia Police Department.  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Cleveland Office was requested by the Cornelia Police Department to assist in locating the missing child at approximately 10:30 PM. 

Throughout the night, Agents and Investigators learned that the missing child likely left her home to meet a subject authorities believe she met online.  The subject, later identified as Martin Francisco-Tomas, approximately 20 years old, traveled to Cornelia and took the child with him to Palm Beach County, Florida.  With the dedicated assistance of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the information learned by investigators, Francisco-Tomas was located with the child at a residence in Palm Beach County Florida and is now in custody.   Francisco-Tomas is in custody on Georgia warrants for Interstate Interference with Custody.  Tomas is pending extradition back to Georgia to face charges.  Additional charges are expected. 

The investigation is still active and ongoing.  Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be provided to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney for prosecution.