AMITY, NY-- New York State Police need help in locating the wife and children of a Wellsville man accused of defrauding Facebook.
Troopers say Iasia M. Ceglia, 36, was reported missing March 10 by family members who were concerned for her whereabouts. Also reported missing are her two sons, Leeman, 10, and Joseffinn, 11.
Iasia Ceglia is the wife of Paul Ceglia, who disappeared after allegedly removing his ankle monitoring bracelet. Paul Ceglia is accused of scheming to defraud Facebook and company CEO Mark Zuckerberg. A warrant has been issued for Paul Ceglia's arrest.
Iasia is about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. She has brown hair and hazel eyes. Both boys are known to have dark hair. Their height and weight are unknown.
State Police don't believe they in danger, but are following up on concerns of friends and family regarding their whereabouts.
It is unknown if the subjects are or have been in the company of Paul Ceglia, who is wanted by the US Marshals Service, or if they are assisting him in any way.
"I can't discuss in detail any specific leads or investigative procedures but we are investigating every possible scenario," U.S. Marshals spokesman Kevin Kamrowski said.
On Wednesday, 2 On Your Side's Jeff Preval spoke with two childhood friends of Iasia Ceglia. They both said they believe it's possible her husband coerced her to flee with him.
Michelynne Durgan, who still lives in Wellsville, said she helped file a missing persons report with the State Police in Belmont after she found no trace of the family at their home.
"She's not home, the vehicles are there, and she's not returning any phone calls. I felt the need that she should be reported missing," Durgan said. "I don't believe he held a gun to her head, but I do believe she was given an ultimatum… if she wanted her children, she would have to go."
Sarah Harris, who went to school with Iasia in Wellsville but now lives in Raleigh, N.C., said it was unusual for Iasia not to return her phone calls.
"I know she would not do anything to put those boys in any harm," Harris said. "And that's what makes us worried."
If you have any information on the missing individuals, please contact New York State Police: 585-268-9031
