Haleigh Cummings Disappearance Passes One Year Mark

2010-2-9 by: Lt. Johnny Greenwood

As many of you know, February 10, 2010 marks the one year anniversary of Haleigh Cummings’ disappearance from her home in Satsuma, Florida. Sheriff Hardy understands the public’s interest in this investigation, and everyone’s desire for the return of Haleigh to her family. Sheriff’ Hardy has asked that the following information be released to the public in an effort to provide insight into the investigative efforts being taken to bring this case to a logical conclusion.

The disappearance of Haleigh Cummings is still being considered an “active” investigation, and a team of detectives are currently assigned to this case. Investigators from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and investigators from agencies throughout the country have invested thousands of man-hours into this investigation thus far.

Here are some of the facts:

• We have received 5,768 leads, all of which have been followed up on by investigators.

• Approximately 600 of the leads received have come from psychics or individuals claiming to have special abilities. All of these leads have been reviewed by investigators, and leads containing specific information that can be verified have been followed up on.

• The majority of the leads received are suggestions or opinions from citizens stating who they believe is responsible for Haleigh’s disappearance, and/or how the investigation should be conducted. These types of leads are reviewed by the investigative team, but many of these require little or no follow up investigation.

• We have conducted formal interviews with 76 different individuals who were identified as having possible information in the Haleigh investigation. DNA samples were collected from many of those interviewed and compared to evidence collected in the case.

• 218 separate interviews have been either audio or video recorded by investigators.

• When situations have dictated, investigators have traveled out of state to conduct these interviews.

• We have received 644 reported Haleigh sightings from various cities and locations throughout the United States. Investigators have either personally determined that these were false sightings, or asked for assistance from local law enforcement agencies where the alleged sightings took place to follow up on the information. To date, none of the reported sightings have been determined to be credible.

• FDLE processed the crime scene. Many items of potential evidentiary value were collected and sent to FDLE’s crime lab for analysis (i.e. for fingerprints and DNA). All of evidence has been examined and/or processed, but none of it has identified any suspect or additional leads as to who the suspect(s) may be.

• We have searched thousands of acres, including all property south of Highway 17 near the Cummings residence.

• We have had numerous underwater recovery and search teams search all of the water near the area of the disappearance.

• Aviation assets have conducted several airborne searches.

• K9 assets have searched the area on several occasions.

• Volunteer civilian searchers on foot and horseback searched the wooded areas near the residence.

As previously released, it is very unlikely that Haleigh’s disappearance is the work of a stranger. Evidence and information obtained during this investigation indicate a strong likelihood that Haleigh’s disappearance is the result of foul play by someone known to Misty Croslin and/or Ronald Cummings. There is no specific individual whom investigators have identified as a person of interest. Investigators still believe that Misty Croslin holds important answers in this case. She still refuses to provide any sort of detailed accounting of the hours during the late evening and early morning of Haleigh’s disappearance. Furthermore, physical evidence at the scene contradicts Misty’s sketchy account of her evening activities. Investigators ask that anyone with direct knowledge of Misty’s activities during that evening of February 9, 2009, or into the early morning of February 10, 2009, is encouraged to report that information to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Information may be submitted by calling Northeast Crime Stoppers at (888) 277-TIPS (8477), or e-mailing the information to [email protected].

The recent arrests of Misty Croslin, Ronald Cummings, Hank Thomas Croslin Jr., Hope Sykes, and Donna Brock, on drug trafficking charges have caused some media outlets to question the intentions behind these arrests. Sheriff Hardy wants to assure the public that these narcotic cases were not a result of the Haleigh investigation. Independent information was received by narcotics detectives that these individuals were unlawfully selling prescription medications. The State Attorney’s Office was consulted at the onset of the narcotics investigation, and it was recommended that the missing person case and the narcotics cases remain totally separate to avoid legal conflicts in both cases. The Haleigh investigative team was not made aware of the narcotics cases until January 20, 2010, just prior to all five individuals being arrested.

Investigators assigned to Haleigh Cummings’ disappearance have interviewed these five (5) individuals in the past, some on multiple occasions. However, investigators will take advantage of every opportunity given to speak with any individual who possibly holds information regarding Haleigh’s disappearance.

Sheriff Hardy realizes the importance of keeping Haleigh in the spotlight and the public involved in this case. He appreciates all of the leads and tips that have been provided, and wants to assure everyone that each Lead and tip is acted on by investigators. Sheriff Hardy wants to reassure the public, but mainly Haleigh’s family, that we will continue to aggressively pursue this case until Haleigh is found.

Source: http://www.pcso.us/2010-2-9-a