Gretchen Fleming (Photos Provided)

PARKERSBURG — As the two-year anniversary of her disappearance approaches, local officials say the search for Gretchen Fleming remains active, even expanding to include federal resources.

In a press release issued today, Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board said a secondary search warrant was being carried out in the 1300 block of Division Street Extension in collaboration with the FBI, regarding the missing person investigation of Fleming.

“We are thankful for the FBI’s ongoing assistance throughout this investigation, as they have assisted in various capacities from the beginning,” Board said.

“There is no new information to be released at this time. The execution of this search warrant is a continuation of the investigatory process. Our agency remains dedicated to utilizing all available resources and investigative strategies to fulfill our commitment to seeking justice for Gretchen Fleming and providing answers for the Fleming family,” Board said, adding the search warrant conducted today was part of that effort.

“While we are at times forced to be vague in our public communications regarding this case, we continue to work vigorously behind the scenes and continue to update and inform the family every step of the way. We are approaching the two-year mark of Gretchen’s disappearance. We recognize and understand that this has been an unfathomable nightmare for the Fleming family. They have shown tremendous strength and courage throughout this investigation. We want to thank them publicly for their continued support and trust in our agency. The Parkersburg Police Department is committed to doing everything possible to provide them with the answers they desperately deserve,” Board said.

He also thanked the community and encouraged everyone to continue spreading awareness about the Fleming case.

Fleming, of Vienna, was last seen leaving the My Way Lounge in the early morning hours of Dec. 4, 2022. She was 27 years old and living with her grandparents. She was reported missing by her family on Dec. 12, 2022.

In the weeks after, police said they had a person of interest in the case but did not release his name, citing the ongoing investigation. Multiple published reports identified the individual and in a Parkersburg News and Sentinel story marking the one-year anniversary of the case in December 2023, Board confirmed the man’s name is Preston Pierce. He declined to share any more information about the man, saying he has not been charged in connection with the case.

“We would like to speak with him to get any information that he would have that would bring this case” closer to closure, he said during that 2023 interview.

A total $100,000 reward for information leading to the location and return of Fleming and the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance remains in effect.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Parkersburg Police Department at 304-424-8444. Anonymous tips can be left online at ppd.parkersburgwv.gov.