The family of missing Yates Center teen Lia Seely is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her location.
The reward was announced at a Friday afternoon news conference where Yates Center Assistant Chief of Police Vinson Baker confirmed arrests were made in Parsons on March 11 by Yates Center officers.
The officers, with assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol, transported the two individuals (who were not identified) to the Woodson County Jail. They have since bonded out and are each charged with aggravated interference with custody and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Baker said Lia had made contact with a person in Parsons to arrange a pickup, and she left her home in a vehicle with three people in it. The third person has not been charged, but he stated that person, the two arrested, and all others identified as persons of interest are cooperating with the investigation.
As recently as this week, social media postings have circulated regarding persons of interest, which Baker said are not accurate. In fact, the persons mentioned in these postings and their families are being subjected to harassment and bullying. One of the three is a student in the Parsons school district and Baker said, “I would like to see that stopped.”
Law Enforcement is not looking for anyone other than Lia at this time. Baker said they have received information, some via the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, about possible sightings of her, but they were found not to be credible.
In talking about their specific concerns at this time Baker said, “I have a now 16-year-old female, who has no life skills, who has no means of survival. She does not have a cell phone, she doesn’t have any money, and she is on her own on the street.”
He added it is his belief that Lia is being harbored and aided in her disappearance by people willingly concealing her from law enforcement. Once Lia is found and back with her family, the investigation will continue and anyone who helped harbor her and keep her from her family will be brought to justice.
In addition to Parsons she has connections in Arma and Chanute.
If you have any information on Lia Seely’s whereabouts, contact the Woodson County Communications Center at 620-625-8640.
A full recording of Friday’s press conference is posted on the Iola Radio podcast page.
