NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A $50,000 reward is being offered for information in the disappearance of 15-year-old Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, who has been missing from Hendersonville for six months.
”Six months, one long nightmare,” Seth Rogers, Sebastian’s biological father said.
The FBI Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency announced Monday that anyone who provides “information leading to the location and return” of the missing teen “or to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his disappearance” could receive the reward.
“I appreciate the fact that my federal government stepped in where my local and state has failed,” Seth expressed. “Maybe someone will open their mouth.”
Sebastian was last seen on Feb. 26, 2024, in the area of Stafford Court in Hendersonville. At the time, he was wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and black, square-framed glasses. According to officials, Sebastian has multiple medical conditions, including autism, that could impair his ability to return home safely.
Several massive search efforts ensued after his disappearance, with law enforcement covering hundreds of miles trying to find Sebastian and neighbors in the area checking their yards for any signs of the teen. His father, Seth Rogers, and others have also led their own search efforts in various parts of Middle Tennessee.
One possible sighting was later dispelled by police, and so far, there have been no confirmed leads on his whereabouts. The FBI said Monday that the agency is continuing to provide assistance to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a representative with the FBI, they are working collaboratively with the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office to “benefit their investigations.”
“The FBI offers monetary rewards to incentivize the public to come forward with tips and information when they have information that law enforcement is seeking to further an investigation and keep the public safe,” FBI Public Affairs Officer/Media Coordinator with the Memphis Field Office, Elizabeth Clement-Webb said.
In the meantime, community members have continued to hand out fliers in an effort to keep Sebastian’s case in the public eye. Several events have also been planned, with a gathering taking place outside the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, Aug. 26.
On Monday morning about 15 people with “Sebastian’s Army” gathered outside the office for answers or an update in the investigation.
”We would like to see a PIO and just to see some updates you know,” a participant with “Sebastian’s Army” said. “There’s no PIO involved and if you come up and you say, ‘Look, we are working the case. Unfortunately, we don’t have any leads.’”
“If I don’t keep pushing for people to do their job, my son will never be found,” Seth said. “With no communication, that is lack of trust; lack of trust means I have to do it myself or I have to have someone that I trust do it.”
NewsNation affiliate WKRN reached out to the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office for comment. At the time of this article, they had not responded.
Anyone who has any information concerning the whereabouts of Sebastian Wayne Drake Rogers, is asked to contact the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office at 615-451-3838, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-TBI-FIND or TipsToTBI@tbi.tn.gov. You can also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The reward poster can be viewed by clicking here.
