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Search continues for missing Scotland Neck teen

Jalesa Reynolds, 18, was seen at the Scotland Neck Memorial Library around 11 a.m. on Feb. 22.

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SCOTLAND NECK, N.C. — For nearly two weeks, Bernice Reynolds has wondered when her daughter, 18-year-old Jalesa Reynolds, will return home.

Jalesa Reynolds, 18, was last seen at the Scotland Neck Memorial Library around 11 a.m. on Feb. 22.

“Just whoever have her, just bring her home safely,” Bernice Reynolds said Thursday.

Investigators said they have since traced Jalesa Reynolds' Internet activity to Cemetery Road. They think she went there after going to the library.

On Monday, police searched a wooded area off Cemetery Road. They plan to search the area again on Friday.

Authorities have declined comment on the case. The State Bureau of Investigation is also involved.

“People are very unsettled. They are very concerned about her whereabouts,” Mayor James Mills said Thursday.

Without knowing specifics on the investigation, Mills and town Commissioner Vertia Evans said they are concerned the community could be at risk.

“We haven’t heard anything,” Evans said. “We need to get to the bottom of this.”

Mills said Police Chief Joe Williams has not communicated with him.

“He has my cell number. He knows where I’m at and knows where I live,” Williams contends.

Though he can’t talk about the specifics of the case, Williams said the public is not in danger. “We’re going to do 110 percent to protect them,” he said.

Town leaders attended a vigil for Jalesa Reynolds Wednesday night.

She is black, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. She has a medium complexion and short, black hair. She was last seen wearing tan pants, a pink shirt and a denim jacket with a flower design on the back.

Anyone with information about Reynolds’ whereabouts is asked to contact Scotland Neck police at 252-826-4111.

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