Authorities Offer Reward for Information on Missing Teen

The FBI has announced a reward of up to $15,000 for information on Stefanie Damron, a 14-year-old Maine teenager who vanished over two months ago, as the search intensifies.

At a Glance

Stefanie Damron, 14, was last seen on September 23 in New Sweden, Maine.
The FBI is offering up to $15,000 for information leading to her safe return.
Extensive search efforts have been conducted in Maine, across the U.S., and Canada.
Authorities are considering all possibilities, including that she may be a runaway.

Missing Teen’s Disappearance Sparks Intensive Search

Stefanie Damron, a 14-year-old girl from New Sweden, Maine, was last seen on September 23 walking into the woods near her home. Her disappearance has prompted a large-scale search operation involving both the Maine State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case has gained national attention as authorities work tirelessly to locate the missing teenager.

Stefanie is described as a white female with green eyes and shoulder-length brown hair. She stands approximately 5 feet tall and weighs around 130 pounds. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved blue shirt, and black Harley Davidson hiking boots. The teenager is homeschooled and has limited access to social media, which may have contributed to the delay in reporting her missing.

The #FBI offers a reward of up to $15,000 for info leading to the safe return of Stefanie Damron, of New Sweden, Maine, and/or information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in her disappearance: https://t.co/KdvPtPQCwm pic.twitter.com/xXKvnrwSnv

— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) December 2, 2024

Extensive Search Efforts Underway

Law enforcement agencies have conducted extensive investigative efforts to locate Stefanie. These include neighborhood canvassing, video searches, and grid searches with canines. Investigators have also conducted numerous interviews and followed leads not only in Maine but across the United States and into Canada. Despite these efforts, Stefanie remains missing, prompting authorities to seek public assistance.

The FBI’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the case. By offering a substantial reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to Stefanie’s safe return or the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance, authorities hope to generate new leads and encourage those with knowledge to come forward.

All Possibilities Under Consideration

While the search continues, investigators are considering all possibilities regarding Stefanie’s disappearance. This includes the potential that she may be a runaway. Her behavior of disappearing is not uncommon, which initially delayed the missing person report. However, as time passes without any credible sightings or information, concerns for her safety have intensified.

“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,” special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division Jodi Cohen said.

The Maine State Police and FBI are urging anyone with information about Stefanie’s whereabouts to come forward. They emphasize that even small details could prove crucial in solving this case. The public can contact the Maine State Police or submit tips online to the FBI. As the search continues, Stefanie’s family, law enforcement, and the community remain hopeful for her safe return.