Executive Summary
- Pennsylvania State Police are offering a $5,000 reward for information on Lauren Steele.
- Steele has been missing since August 5, 2024, and was last seen in Carlisle, PA.
- She reportedly told family she had escaped human trafficking and was traveling to Las Vegas.
- Steele is described as 5’4″, 115 lbs, with green eyes and strawberry blonde hair.
Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) have announced a $5,000 reward for information regarding the whereabouts of Lauren Steele, a 36-year-old woman who has been missing since August 2024. Investigators report that prior to her disappearance, Steele communicated to family members that she had escaped a human trafficking situation and was seeking treatment.
According to the PSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Steele was last known to be residing at a hotel in Carlisle, Cumberland County. Her last confirmed contact with her family occurred on August 5, 2024. Police state that she may have been attempting to travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, for rehabilitation or medical treatment at the time she vanished.
Steele is described by authorities as 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing approximately 115 pounds, with green eyes and strawberry blonde hair. While originally from New York, investigators noted she has previously resided in Virginia. The extended period of no contact has raised significant concerns regarding her safety.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be directed to PSP Wilkes-Barre at 570-697-2000 or the PSP Tips line at 1-800-472-8477. Information can also be submitted online through the Pennsylvania State Police website.
Investigative Outlook
The offering of a monetary reward more than a year after a disappearance often indicates that investigators are seeking to revitalize a case where leads may have diminished. The specific context of human trafficking allegations adds a layer of complexity and urgency to the search, potentially involving interstate law enforcement cooperation given Steele’s connections to New York, Virginia, and Nevada. Public assistance remains a critical component in resolving long-term missing persons cases where victim vulnerability is high.
