Missing Margaret Hanley: Navy Vet & Grandmother, Family Suspects Scam

Urgent Search for Margaret Hanley

• 💡 Margaret Hanley, a 72-year-old Navy veteran and grandmother, has been reported missing since February 8th or 9th.
• 📌 Her son, Jomo Thompson, initiated the search after her brother noted an unusual lack of communication.
• 🚗 She was last seen driving her silver 2001 Toyota RAV4 with license plate ESMF23.

Unusual Behavior & Financial Activity

• ⚠️ Police pulled Margaret over at 4 AM for a red light on February 8th, an activity highly uncharacteristic of her usual routine of staying home or only driving to Walmart.
• 💸 Her bank account showed suspicious withdrawals, including multiple $200 transactions from TPUSA and a $500 withdrawal from Walgreens, which is unusual for her frugal nature.
• 📝 Two large checks, for $10,000 and $12,000, were written to an individual in Texas but were never cashed, strongly suggesting a scam attempt.

Family's Scam Suspicions

• 🧠 The family believes Margaret, who experiences short-term memory loss, may have been coerced or under duress, leading to her unusual travel and financial actions.
• 💬 Her son, Jomo Thompson, emphasized that his primary concern is finding his mother safe, not the money or the scam itself.
• 🛣️ Margaret was spotted traveling alone in her vehicle across various locations in Florida and Georgia on February 7th and 8th.

Law Enforcement Investigation

• 🚨 The Jacksonville Sheriff's Department, with Sergeant Josh Sterner, is actively investigating, collaborating with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and surrounding counties.
• 🔍 Authorities are focusing on the bank transactions to trace leads and determine if the charges are fraudulent.
• 🤝 Law enforcement is appealing to the public for any information, highlighting that public sightings are crucial for finding her.

Call for Public Assistance

• 🚗 The public is urged to look out for Margaret Hanley's silver 2001 Toyota RAV4, license plate ESMF23.
• 📞 Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 904-630-500.
• 🙏 The family and authorities stress the importance of helping to find this decorated veteran and beloved family member.