Law Enforcement Seeks Information About Man Missing from His Home

NEWARK, NJ—Special Agent In Charge Michael B. Ward announced today that the FBI, in conjunction with the Cape May County Prosecutors Office and the Ocean City Police Department, is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of John Weisbecker, age 22, of Ocean City, New Jersey. Weisbecker disappeared from his residence under suspicious circumstances shortly before noon on Wednesday, March 11, 2009—exactly one year ago today. He was scheduled to begin working at Kessel’s Korner sandwich shop in Ocean City the day after his disappearance. Investigators suspect Weisbecker may have been the victim of a crime.

Investigators from the FBI, Cape May County Prosecutors Office, New Jersey State Police, Ocean City Police Department, as well as several other local police departments and federal agencies continue to work together on this investigation.

Presently, investigators have reason to believe the following:

1. It is likely that more than one person was involved John’s disappearance.
2. More than one person likely has information that could facilitate his recovery.
3. John was likely familiar with the people who caused his disappearance.
4. The people involved in John’s disappearance are likely familiar with the Cape May County area.
5. There have been several people who have been hesitant to fully cooperate with the investigation.

Investigators are appealing to anyone who has information to come forward. Even someone who may have had marginal knowledge about John Weisbecker’s disappearance is being encouraged to contact authorities. “The mental and emotional anguish of not knowing what happened to a family member can be torture,” said Ward. “But knowing and keeping that information to yourself is an even bigger burden to carry—one that gets heavier and heavier as time goes on.”

Information can be discreetly provided to Crime Stoppers at 877-465-2801 or the FBI at 973-792-3000.