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.