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The family of Desia Rae George is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the return of the missing Fries woman. Michael Martin, a cousin of George, announced the reward during a news conference Tuesday morning at the Carroll County Government Complex.

“As of today, we, the family, would like to offer a reward of $5,000 to anyone who can tell us where she is. I don’t mean rumors; we want somebody who can tell us where she is. No questions asked,” said Martin. “We’re not a wealthy family so we had to tap into resources, some we didn’t know we had.”

George, 33, was reported missing on April 15. She is the mother of four children, including one only two months old.

“It’s terrible,” said Martin when questioned about the affect this is having on George’s loved ones. “It’s like losing someone you love. It’s not really something you can prepare for. You don’t know how to handle it until it hits you.”

Martin said George’s family was grateful for the support of the Fries community, as well as the diligence of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department.

“I don’t think that there’s a moment that has gone by without the phone ringing and Facebook has been a good source. The community of Fries has been really great. It’s amazing how supportive everyone has been. We’ve had friends from high school, junior high, even elementary school call, people we haven’t talked to for 15 years.

“I venture to guess the sheriff’s department hasn’t got much more sleep than we’ve got. Anytime we’ve called the sheriff’s department, they’ve been willing to talk to us. They’re busy night and day running down all the leads.”

Although Martin said Facebook was useful in spreading the news of George’s disappearance, some “false accusations” concerning George has made it harder on the family.

“Her health was fine,” said Martin of George. “Almost 100 percent of the allegations posted on Facebook have been false. It’s difficult to deal with, and it takes away from the sheriff’s department’s resources. Unfortunately, the sheriff’s department has to investigate all of them. My guess, almost 50 percent of all searches could have been avoided.”

Investigator Donnie Spangler of the sheriff’s department then asked people wanting to help “to make sure you have good information when you call.”

Spangler also said the department “was looking for a person of interest” in Matthew Steven Jones, 34, who was “the last person to see (George) alive.” Jones, added Spangler, had legal issues in Ramseur, N.C.

When asked what his worst fear was, Martin responded, “Our worst fear is she won’t be found; we won’t see her again.”