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Investigators Launch Website To Collect Tips In Search For Mollie Tibbets

Kate Payne / IPR
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's Rick Rahn says invesigators are sparing no expense in the case of mising University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts.

Investigators in Poweshiek County say they’re sparing no expense in the search for a missing University of Iowa student. And as the disappearance of 20 year old Mollie Tibbets approaches the one month mark, investigators have launched a website to field even more tips,findingmollie.iowa.gov.

Tibbets was last seen on the evening of July 18th while jogging in Brooklyn, Iowa. She was home for the summer and dogsitting for her boyfriend at the time of her disappearance.

Investigators have received 1,500 tips since then, conducted more than 500 interviews and searched homes, barns and farmland in Poweshiek County and beyond. The team of local, state and federal officers is releasing limited information about their findings, they say, in order to protect the integrity of the case.

At a press conference with reporters Monday, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent In Charge Rick Rahn said they're considering "all options" on the case, including looking into the prevalance of human trafficking in the area, which is adjacent to Interstate 80. 

"I don't have any specifics for it, but I can tell you that's something we are looking into and keeping an open mind on," Rahn said. "Trafficking is something that is discussed on a regular basis."

Investigators said their tip lines show no signs of slowing down, and they're encouraging anyone with information to send it in. Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Assistant Director Mitch Mortvedt said residents and bystanders may have actionable information, even if they don't realize it. 

“We encourage you to provide whatever information you may have. Please do not make your own judgement about importance. Please let us assess the relevance of your tip or information," Mortvedt said.

Investigators are still treating Tibbett's disappearance as a missing person case. Rahn said law enforcement officers are using all necessary resources.

“I don’t foresee lessening any manpower at this time. We’re going to continue to drive forward and...whatever it takes," Rahn said. "Certainly there are other things that pop up and require our attention. But that just means we bring other people in and do whatever it takes.”

Tips can be send in online to findingmollie.iowa.gov, by email to tips@poweshiekcosheriff.com or by calling 1-800-452-1111.

Kate Payne was an Iowa City-based Reporter