FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair's Remarks on the Michaela Garecht Investigation
FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair delivered the following remarks at a press conference announcing local charges in a cold case disappearance of a child.
My name is Craig Fair, Special Agent in Charge of San Francisco Division of the FBI.
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest condolences to Michaela’s family, who have been mourning her loss for so many years without closure or justice. I cannot imagine the pain you have gone through for the last 32 years, but I hope justice in this case can bring you a measure of peace. On behalf of all of the men and women of the FBI who have dedicated long hours to assist the Hayward Police Department with this investigation, I assure you that our thoughts have remained with your family, for many years. We are so sorry for your unimaginable loss.
On behalf of the FBI, I want to recognize the hard work of the Hayward Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office on this case. The FBI was proud to work beside the Hayward Police Department for 32 years, providing any assistance necessary as they led this investigation. Over the years, we have provided agents to assist Hayward PD with interviews. Our Evidence Response Team and FBI Laboratory have assisted our partners in the processing and examination of evidence. Our professional support staff provided Hayward PD with a case management system and spent long hours manually entering every lead that Hayward PD received. We have stood by Hayward PD and supported them for more than three decades over the course of this investigation, because there is no case that deserves our attention and support more than the tragic disappearance of a child.
The FBI and our partners have a long memory. We have actively pursued leads in this case since 1988, and we have never forgotten Michaela or moved on from her disappearance.
Crimes that involve children terrorize our communities, strike fear into families, and are one of the FBI’s top priorities. Protecting the innocent and hunting down individuals who prey upon our nation’s children are at the heart of what the FBI does.
Michaela’s abduction had a tremendous impact on the Hayward community, and this tragic loss has left a hole in the hearts of her family and in all of the residents here. I would also like to thank the public for your support and assistance throughout the course of this investigation.
Finally, I want to commend Chief Chaplin and the entire Hayward Police Department, and District Attorney Nancy O’Malley and her office, for your unwavering commitment to this case. This achievement is a testament to your investigative efforts. The FBI is proud to support you.
Thank you.
