The father of Maria Gomez-Perez, a 12-year-old girl who had been missing from Gainesville, expressed immense relief after learning that she was found safe on Thursday night. Maria vanished nearly eight weeks ago, sparking an intense search and widespread concern.

Channel 2’s Courtney Francisco has been diligently following Maria’s case since her disappearance in May. The breakthrough came when Maria was discovered in Dover, Ohio, alongside 34-year-old Antonio Agustin, nine hours away from her home.

Investigators revealed that Maria and Agustin met online, with Agustin driving to Georgia to abduct her. On Friday, Francisco spoke exclusively with Maria’s father, Andres Gomez, who was overwhelmed with emotion upon receiving the news of his daughter’s safe return.

“I didn’t think I was going to find her again,” Gomez said through a translator. “Many times, I thought that she was dead.”

The case took a dramatic turn last week when Gomez received a Facebook message from someone claiming to be Maria, urging him to stop searching for her and insisting she was not coming home. This message, however, helped detectives trace the communications to Agustin. Their investigation led them to a swimming pool in Dover, where they tracked down Maria and Agustin at a nearby shopping center. Maria was rescued, and Agustin was arrested.

Authorities noted that Agustin had been communicating with Maria online for a prolonged period before deciding to abduct her. This raises concerns about the potential for other victims. Investigators are now delving into Agustin’s background to determine if there are additional children at risk.

Child Services is currently working with Maria to assess her needs and determine the best course of action for her well-being.

Agustin faces multiple charges in both Ohio and Hall County, Georgia.

Gomez expressed profound gratitude to the community, whose support and pressure on investigators were instrumental in the search efforts.

Credit: WSB-TV2