Missing teen’s Facebook page falls silent

COVINGTON, Ky. - Everyone involved in the Paige Johnson case is on Facebook … everyone except the missing teen herself. And police said that could be cause for concern.

While the police still have no concrete leads about what happened to the 17-year-old who disappeared nearly three weeks ago, they continue to search for her around the clock. The search has even extended to a check of her social habits on the Internet and that's where police have come up cold -- no e-mails sent; no Facebook status updates; no MySpace chats or messages.

Police consider the teenager’s lack of social network activity as a possible concern.

Family, friends and the community have been all about social networking in the search for the missing teen. They are using Facebook to reach out to friends across the country—posting information and flyers about Johnson’s disappearance to their online pages, as well as starting the group, “ Keep Paige Johnson In Our Prayers. We Will Find Her <3 .”

Johnson, who lives in Florence with her mother Donna Johnson, has been missing since Sept. 23, and has not accessed any of her social networks since she disappeared.

Covington Police Capt. Teal Nally said Johnson has not e-mailed, called or texted any of her family or friends since she was last seen in the area of 15th and Scott streets in Covington. She is normally active on the Internet so this is of concern to police.

“We are investigating this like there could be foul play,” said Nally of the missing teenage mother. Paige’s 2-year-old daughter, McKenzie lives with her father and his family, who have custody of her, Nally said, and are not suspected of any wrongdoing.

 A male acquaintance told police that he dropped off Paige in the area of 15th and Scott streets near a friend's house at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 23.

Police said that she did not make it to the friend’s house. The male who dropped her off has not given police any further information that could lead them to her, said Nally. At this time, the male, who was the last person to see her, does have legal representation.

Johnson’s mother filed a missing-person report at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Nally said that the police have conducted several searches of properties and residences since the investigation began. However, names of people, searches and interviews are not being released by the police while the investigation is ongoing.

Nally said so far in the investigation authorities have been unable to confirm whether or not a crime has been committed. Authorities hope to find the missing girl in good health.

 The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is also involved in the case.  The organization sent two representatives to Covington to assist in the search as soon as the missing report was filed. They helped with the search as well as posted flyers across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. They have since left, said Robert Lowery, executive director of the Missing Children’s Division.

As the tips began coming in less and less frequently, Lowery said the organization recalled its representatives to the Alexandria, Va. office.  However, a case manager assigned to Johnson's case is continuing to coordinate with the Johnson family and the Covington Police, assisting in any way possible, he said.

As leads come in from their website and call center, Lowery said they coordinate those with the Covington Police. They also have a search and rescue team on staff to consult with the police.

There is a “concern for her welfare” said Lowery, who said that at the beginning of the investigation and search, Johnson was thought to be a runaway. But now they are more concerned that she may have disappeared unwillingly.

Covington Police Lt. Col. Spike Jones said the entire community is worried about her.

“We’re staying optimistic. We’re hopeful that she sees the media coverage and will reach out to tell us or her family, letting us know that she’s OK.”

He called it unusual that Johnson has been gone for so long and has not reached out.

Johnson is 5'1" tall, 110 lbs., with light brown hair with highlights and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a multi-colored jacket and blue jeans. She has pierced ears, tongue and navel.

Anyone with information should contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at (800) 843-5678 ( 1-800-THE-LOST ) or call the Covington Police Department at (859) 292-2222.