Officials at the Jefferson City Police Department said Wednesday morning that they continue to attempt to contact and locate 17-year-old Thomas Kesete.
Since JCPD announced Tuesday they were looking for the teen, investigators have received multiple leads as to Kesete's last known activities. Several of those leads have proven to be false, including the belief that he was seen in a "white" vehicle over the weekend.
"We stress that Kesete is considered an adult in matters such as this and has the right to not make his location known should he choose," said JCPD Spokesman Lt. David Williams.
Williams added that the've been asked why an Amber Alert wasn't issued for Keeste. Williams said the criteria for such an alert, which would be forwarded for dissemination via the Alert Missouri program, would have to include the following:
- Law enforcement officials have a reasonable belief that an abduction has occurred, which meets defintions found in state statutes
- Law enforcement officials believe there is a credible threat of serious bodily injury or death to the victim.
With this an ongoing investigation, anyone with information about where Keete may be is urged to contact JCPD at 573-634-6400, Crimestoppers at 573-659-TIPS (659-8477) or at jeffcitycrimestoppers.com.