August 3, 1980
Classification: Endangered Missing
Vital Statistics
Age at time of disappearance: 20-years-old
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Distinguishing Characteristics: African American female
Circumstances
On August 3, 1980, Cherita Thomas disappeared in Iosco County's AuSable Township. She was last seen on a stretch of road, on her way to pick up her small daughter from the sitter when she vanished, barely a mile from the police station. According to police, Cherita's vehicle reportedly stalled at the intersection of US-23 and River Road, and three area youths assisted Thomas in getting it started and she continued on her way. The vehicle apparently stalled again on Sunset Street in AuSable Township, less than two blocks from the sitter's home. Several witnesses reported seeing a blue pickup parked grill-to-grill with Cherita's disabled vehicle about 11:15 p.m. One said she saw Thomas get into the truck with a white-bearded mail, then drove off in the direction of Old US-23. Thomas was never seen again.
A gentleman from Texas (formerly of Oscoda) was charged with an open count of murder in connection with Cherita's disappearance in 2005. Though circumstances surrounding Cherita's disappearance made the court believe she is deceased, due to insufficient evidence that some type of criminal agency caused her death, the charges were dismissed. However, the murder charge was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be reinstated as warranted by new evidence.
Investigating Agency
Oscoda Township Police Department
Det/Sgt. Allan MacGregor
517-739-9113
or
FBI
Agent David Marthaler
989-892-6525
Source: ABC12
Source: Iosco County News Herald
Source: Bay City Times
Source: The Oscoda Press
