A Navy veteran has been missing for nearly ten days, leaving her family in a state of distress as they search for answers. Margaret Hanley, 72, was last seen at her Jacksonville, Florida home on February 9. Since then, no contact has been made, leaving loved ones and police urgently seeking information.
Family members, including Hanley’s son Jomo Thompson, have expressed deep concern over her disappearance. “My brother and sister, they’re distraught,” Thompson shared with First Coast News. “They’re not eating or sleeping very well. We just want to get our mom home.”
The situation escalated when Hanley’s family tried to reach her by phone, only to find she had left with her vehicle, a 2001 silver Toyota RAV4. Alarmingly, Thompson discovered large payments from Hanley’s bank account to an unknown recipient, which he described as “unusual and concerning.”
Possible Scam Being Investigated
Investigations are underway to determine if Hanley fell victim to a scam. Thompson described his mother as “a very friendly and smart person,” puzzled at the potential exploitation.
Tracking Hanley’s movements, her phone activity indicated travel through Gainesville and Starke in Florida, and later pings in Hinesville, Georgia. Her debit card was used at Georgia gas stations on February 12. Despite these findings, Thompson noted that his mother rarely drives, especially out of state, and suffers from short-term memory loss.
Florida’s Silver Alert system, designed to locate missing seniors with cognitive impairments, poses limitations as it wouldn’t apply if Hanley is out of state. Nonetheless, Thompson and his siblings actively pursue leads, even enlisting a private investigator to aid their search. “I’ve been lost for words and don’t know what the next steps are,” Thompson confessed. “I figured the more people looking and chasing down leads, the better.”
Community and Friends Rally Support
Friends and former Navy colleagues are rallying to support the search effort. Social media has become a vital tool, with missing person posters circulating on platforms like Facebook.
Anita Ramirez, who served with Hanley in the Navy, expressed her concern, writing, “I had the honor of being stationed with this great lady at Naval Hospital Guam. She is a proud veteran, a strong leader, and a woman of integrity.” Meanwhile, Faith Community Church of Orange Park also highlighted Hanley’s character, emphasizing her kindness, faith, and service to both country and community.
Thompson encourages anyone with information to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as he continues to relay leads to the authorities.
