SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Sumner County Sheriff's Office addressed what they called "recent speculation" surrounding the disappearance of a Hendersonville teen earlier this year.
The sheriff's office posted a letter to Facebook on Friday, Dec. 13, adding that authorities understand community concerns for answers in the case of missing teen Sebastian Rogers. The letter addressed "recent speculation surrounding the individual seen wearing a green hoodie near Texas Roadhouse."
The letter stated that detectives interviewed the person regarding their presence on Feb. 25.
"We can confirm that after a thorough discussion with this individual, there is no evidence linking them to Sebastian's disappearance," the letter reads, in part. "We appreciate the vigilance and cooperation from the public and all those involved in the search for Sebastian...However, we also urge the community to approach social media rumors with caution, as misinformation can distract from the real efforts to find Sebastian."
The sheriff's office added the search for Sebastian remains a top priority and authorities will "continue to pursue all leads with the utmost diligence."
Sebastian was reported missing more than nine months ago. The reward for information on the teen's whereabouts increased to $200,000 last month, but on Saturday, Dec. 7, Duane Chapman — better known as “Dog the Bounty Hunter” — announced on social media platform X that the reward was up to $225,155.
Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, 15, was reported missing on Monday, Feb. 26 from the Beech area in Hendersonville.
Sebastian Rogers: Description
Sebastian is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, 120 pounds with dirty blond hair. He was last seen on Monday, Feb. 26 near Stafford Court wearing a black sweatshirt and black sweatpants, said the TBI.
AMBER Alert Issued
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) originally issued an Endangered Child Alert for Sebastian on the morning of Feb. 26 as multiple agencies took to the area to look for him.
Based on additional investigative information developed during the search, the TBI issued an AMBER Alert for Sebastian on the afternoon of Feb. 27. An AMBER Alert is issued when there is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred and the child is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death, per the DOJ.
Multiple agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Nashville Fire Department, City of Hendersonville’s first responders, Sumner County Sheriff’s Office and Shackle Island Volunteer Fire have assisted in the search for Sebastian.
Who to Contact
If you have seen Sebastian or have info about his whereabouts, call the Sumner County Sheriff's Office at (615) 451-3838 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.