Essex County prosecutor takes lead in Jashyah Moore investigation, announces social media blitz – WABC-TV

EAST ORANGE, New Jersey (WABC) — The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has taken the lead in the investigation into the disappearance of 14-year-old Jashyah Moore.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II said Wednesday that his office had superseded the investigation and would now be the lead agency.

Stephens said more than 50 members of law enforcement were in Orange and East Orange Wednesday retracing Moore’s steps and following up on old and new leads.

The teenager went missing nearly a month ago. She was last seen outside Poppie’s Deli on Central Avenue in East Orange.

Stephens also announced that investigators have begun flooding social media with Moore’s picture.

“We have unleashed the most intensive social media effort possible to seek the public’s help,” Stephens said.

An individual come forward Tuesday to offer an additional $5,000, bringing the reward for information in the case to $15,000.

On Tuesday night, Jashyah’s mother joined a community-led search for her daughter.

She is adamant that Jashyah did not run away, and she believes someone may have abducted her.

There is an undercurrent of resentment in this community from some who feel missing minority girls receive less attention from authorities.

ALSO READ | Reward increased, search continues for missing New Jersey teen Jashyah Moore

“We have no representation,” said one resident. “We need representation.”

“We want her family to know, our community to know and the world to know, we are working to bring Jashyah home safely,” said an East Orange Police spokesperson.

“I love you, Jashyah,” said her mom. “If you see this, don’t be scared. Mommy is going to find you… If I gotta die myself to find you, we’re gonna find you.”

She is determined to keep the public’s attention on this, planning a candlelight vigil for Friday night outside East Orange City Hall.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has added Moore’s picture to its webpage.

Anyone with information about this case is being asked to contact the East Orange Police Department at 973-266-5000.

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