Police tight lipped about investigation into missing Scotland Neck teenager

The search continues for 18 year old Jalesa Reynolds of Scotland Neck.

We've learned that a person living in the immediate search area is a convicted sex offender.

Police held a news conference today, but stayed tight-lipped.

They say any new information could jeopardize the investigation.

We know Reynolds was last seen at the library last Monday, but law enforcement traced her Facebook activity to an address on Cemetery Road.

Meanwhile, Eyewitness News 9 talked with the family today and they're holding out hope that she's still alive.

If you have any information about her whereabouts, please call Scotland Neck Police at 252-826-4111.

--- Mid-Afternoon Update ---

There's little new details concerning missing 18-year-old Jalesa Reynold's of Scotland Neck. Today, the police department held a press conference, but police chief Joe Williams says any new developments would compromise the investigation. Two dozen relatives attended the press conference. Reynold's first-cousin, Frederick Lassiter told nine on your side that while the teen has been missing for over a week, the family will remain posiitve and optimistic in the meantime.

"I'm not going to say suspicious. She just didn't return home and we just want her safe return," Lassiter said.

Nine on your side is told the teen, who is unemployed, was a student at Halifax Community College earning her GED. On Tuesday, February 23rd, the Reynold's family reported the 18-year-old missing. Police say records indicate the teen signed on to one of the Scotland Neck Memorial Library computers on Monday February 22nd, at noon. Currently the Scotland Neck Police Department, Halifax County Sheriff's Office, and SBI have not eliminated the possibility of criminal misconduct.

--- Original Story ---

The search continues for an 18 year old girl who went missing last week and may be in danger.

No one has heard from Jalesa Reynolds since she went to the library in Scotland Neck last Monday.

Investigators do suspect foul play.

Police spoke to the media today.

Right now, there are no new developments to speak of in the case.

Officers spent much of Monday searching a patch of woods along Cemetery Road and they combed through a dump site for yard waste.

Investigators traced Reynold's activity on the internet at the library last Monday.

Police say she left there about lunch time.

Then about an hour and a half later she signed on to Facebook from a computer in this neighborhood.

That's the last communication from her.

Chief Williams says they've interviewed about 60 people, including the man at the address of her last Facebook login.

They say he's a person of interest, but nothing more.

We'll have the latest developments on the case and the search tonight on Eyewitness News 9 at Six.