The reward in the case of missing Lumberton teenager Hania Aguilar has increased to $30,000.

Andy de la Rocha, with the FBI, announced the FBI’s reward will be increased from $15,000 to $25,000 during a press conference on Tuesday. He also said the FBI will expand who can claim the reward. The $25,000 reward is now available to anyone who provides information which leads to the location of Hania, or to the arrest and prosecution of the person, or persons, responsible for her kidnapping. 

The State of North Carolina continues to offer a $5,000 reward in the case.

According to de la Rocha, the FBI and police have asked for the following information in the case:  surveillance video, help identifying the man seen walking near the scene of Hania’s disappearance, tips about people who may have had changes in their behavior or daily routine, and people to walk their properties for any signs of anything unusual.

He asked anyone who thinks they may information to contact the tip line at 910-272-5872 or the Lumberton Police Department at 910-671-3845. 

De la Rocha wouldn’t comment on any evidence that has been found in the case.

Chief Michael McNeill, with the LPD, also asked people to not spread rumors on social media because it takes away from the investigation. He said, in part, “this information is hampering our investigation.” 

FBI Special Agent Liza Vita said she spent time with Aguilar’s family on Tuesday and shared a message from Aguilar’s mother. 

According to a press release from the FBI, this message reads:

“I trust in God that my daughter will return. No one knows the pain I have in my heart. Despite all the criticism and speculation against me, I would never use my daughter’s name in order to take advantage of this situation. I thank all those people who have provided me help. Please, if you know something, call. I ask everyone not to make absurd comments. For the love of God, respect my pain. I only want Hania, my princess, back.  I miss her.”
 

“Hania was outside her home at the Rosewood Mobile Home Park located at 3525 Elizabethtown Road, Lumberton, North Carolina on November 5, 2018 just before 7:00 a.m. The stolen SUV was found before 8:00 a.m. Thursday morning off Quincey Drive in Lumberton, North Carolina,” a press release from the FBI says. Hania is a Hispanic female, five feet tall, weighing approximately 126 pounds. She has black hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue shirt with flowers and blue jeans.

WBTW News13 will provide updates as we receive them.