A 12-year-old girl who had been missing for eight weeks has been found.
Maria Gomez-Perez was located safe, approximately 600 miles from her home, following an extensive search by authorities.
The 12-year-old was discovered with a man she allegedly met online, who had traveled to pick her up.
Authorities apprehended the man upon finding the duo and are now contemplating pressing charges related to the case.
Police have stated that they suspect Maria and the man, identified as Antonio Agustin, 31, had been in communication via the internet.
It is believed that Maria expressed a desire to leave home due to her unhappiness.
Law enforcement has also stated they view Maria as a victim in this situation.
Maria was last seen at her father Andres Gomez’s residence in Gainesville on May 29.
Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch commented: “We believe Maria had been communicating for a time with Mr. Agustin via Facebook Messenger and other online apps.
“Maria had indicated she was unhappy and wanted to leave home. We also know she had been communicating with other adult males online, telling them the same thing.
“Let me be very clear on this: Maria is the victim in this case. And remember, she’s 12 years old.”
Authorities advanced their search after Maria contacted her father on Facebook, informing him that she was alright and requesting that he stop searching for her.
Investigators used that message to trace the IP address of the device from which it was sent, which led them to Maria’s location.
Four investigators found her at a city swimming pool after traveling to Ohio.
A police statement noted: “Maria Gomez-Perez has been safe in Dover, Ohio, and she should be on her way home here to Gainesville with our investigators within the hour.”
Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon shared with The Times of Gainesville: “It’s hard to put into words what we saw. I just really, really am proud of our community.
“Our Hispanic community just really stood up and made their presence known and said, ‘Hey look, let’s shine a light on this missing child.'”
Couch also issued a warning about the dangers of technology: “Technology is a wonderful thing. It helped us locate Maria. But technology can also be used for evil.
“It’s why Maria was able to leave Gainesville with a stranger and travel nine hours away from home.
“So please know what your children are doing and who they’re communicating with. They’re our most vulnerable and our most valuable citizens and it is our duty to take care of them.”