FORT WALTON BEACH -- The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) are announcing a reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Marie Jane Carlson, 38. She was last seen at her Fort Walton Beach, Fla. residence between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Ms. Carlson was last seen with James Flanders, 44, the father of her newborn child, in mid-October 2011. The couple shared a home together in Fort Walton Beach. Ms. Carlson lived in Sierra Vista, Ariz. from Aug. 2010 to Feb. 2011. Flanders currently lives in Cochise, Ariz., near Tucson with the couple’s child.
On Oct. 19, 2011, a text message, purportedly from Ms. Carlson, was received by several people. The message stated that she left Fort Walton Beach to do something she always wanted to do. No additional information was contained in the text.
Ms. Carlson’s vehicle was located at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (NFRA) on Oct. 21, 2011 by Flanders. The investigation into Ms. Carlson’s disappearance determined that she did not leave the Fort Walton Beach area by flying or renting a vehicle from the NFRA. The investigation also determined that she did not leave the United States.
Ms. Carlson was reported missing/endangered to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 24, 2011 by Jeff Carlson, her ex-husband, who resides in KY.
Investigators urge anyone with information about the disappearance of Marie Jane Carlson to contact Investigator Keith Matz (OCSO) at 850-609-2000 or Special Agent Ronnie Austin (FDLE) at 850-595-2045. Anonymous tips can be made through the Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 888-654-TIPS or their website .
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the discovery of Ms. Carlson’s whereabouts. The reward is being offered through private donations.
Ms. Carlson has a unique tattoo on her right wrist with the inscriptions “Pray Without Ceasing.” She was born October 7, 1974 and is 5’04, 130 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
See attached pictures of Marie Jane Carlson.
Ms. Carlson is also being featured on FDLE’s Facebook page as part of the BOLO series.
