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38-year-old Godwin woman missing since Sunday, officials say

The Sampson County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 38-year-old woman who has been missing since Sunday.

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GODWIN, N.C. — The Sampson County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 38-year-old woman who has been missing since Sunday.

Maria Ventura-Cruz, of 2960 Hayes Mill Road, Godwin, was reported missing by a family member on Jan. 16, according to the sheriff's office. She was last seen on Jan. 15 around 7 p.m.

Family and friends described Ventura-Cruz as a very charismatic woman and a responsible mom.

Authorities are investigating and have not ruled out criminal misconduct.

"This is suspicious," said Sheriff Jimmy Thornton. "There could be potentially some criminal intent, but I'm not going to take it much farther than that."

Ventura-Cruz lives in her home with her boyfriend, the children's father, Francisco Yerbafria, 26.

Yerbafria was jailed Tuesday when he was charged with three misdemeanor counts of child abuse for leaving the children home alone, authorities said.

Thornton said he does not think Yerbafria has anything to do with his girlfriend's disappearance, but that he had been questioned.

Anyone with information on Ventura-Cruz should call the Sampson County Sheriff's Office at 910-592-4141.

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