Family of missing Calif. girl Sierra LaMar offers $10,000 for her safe return
(CBS) MORGAN HILL, Calif. - The family of missing California girl Sierra LaMar is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.
Photos: Calif. teen goes missing on walk to school bus
The 15-year-old's father, Steve LaMar, told The San Jose Mercury News that the family got the money together the reward money through fundraisers and donations.
"We're hoping it might give someone the motivation to come forward," Steve LaMar said. "We're desperate for anything that can bring her home to us."
The teenager was last seen March 16 leaving her home for school around 7:15 a.m. to walk to a bus stop. Police dogs searching for the girl lost her scent in the driveway of her home.
Investigators have said that they think the high school sophomore was likely the victim of an acquaintance abduction.
Fox News reports searchers found possible items of interest in the case shortly after her disappearance, including condoms and an empty box labeled "handcuffs" not far from where she was last seen.
Santa Clara sheriff deputies confirmed the discovered items were found near a dead-end road about two miles from the girl's home.
Law enforcement officials were careful to point out that the items were found in an area known to authorities as a place where underage people go to drink alcohol and party.
LaMar's phone was also recovered about three-quarters of a mile from her home after police tracked its electronic ping. Authorities said the last text LaMar sent out was shortly before 7 a.m. the day she disappeared, and it was not a distress text.
The girl's bag also was discovered a couple of miles from her home. A pair of her pants and shirt were found neatly folded inside the Juicy brand bag.
There is currently no named person of interest in the case and police are still treating it as a missing person case.
Anyone with information about Sierra or her whereabouts is asked to contact Santa Clara County Communications at (408) 299-2311. During business hours, tipsters can call sheriff's investigators at (408) 808-4500 or the anonymous tip line at (408) 808-4431.