On April 26, 2025, during the Vidalia Onion Festival, the Vidalia Police Department received a report of a missing juvenile, identified as Marlee Heasman, age 16. Initial investigation revealed that the juvenile was last seen leaving the carnival area with an unknown male in an unknown direction.
Thanks to multiple public tips, investigators were able to identify the male as Rafael Flores, age 20, of Powder Springs, Georgia. Further investigation confirmed that Flores and the juvenile had traveled to Elkhart, Indiana.
With the assistance of the Elkhart Police Department, the juvenile was safely located and taken into custody. She is currently awaiting transport home. Rafael Flores was also located and arrested on the following charges:
● 1 Count of Interference with Custody (Felony)
● 1 Count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (Misdemeanor)
The Vidalia Police Department extends its sincere thanks to the public for their tips, as well as to the Elkhart Police Department and Cobb County Police Department for their cooperation and assistance in safely locating the juvenile. This investigation remains active and ongoing.
For further inquiries, please contact Interim Chief Garry Colson at 912-537-4123.
Thanks to multiple public tips, investigators were able to identify the male as Rafael Flores, age 20, of Powder Springs, Georgia. Further investigation confirmed that Flores and the juvenile had traveled to Elkhart, Indiana.
With the assistance of the Elkhart Police Department, the juvenile was safely located and taken into custody. She is currently awaiting transport home. Rafael Flores was also located and arrested on the following charges:
● 1 Count of Interference with Custody (Felony)
● 1 Count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (Misdemeanor)
The Vidalia Police Department extends its sincere thanks to the public for their tips, as well as to the Elkhart Police Department and Cobb County Police Department for their cooperation and assistance in safely locating the juvenile. This investigation remains active and ongoing.
For further inquiries, please contact Interim Chief Garry Colson at 912-537-4123.
The Vidalia Police Department is seeking the community's assistance in locating the missing female in the picture above. Her name is Marlee Lola Heasman. She is a 16 year old from Gibsonton, Florida, who went missing during the Vidalia Onion Festival. Ms. Heasman was last seen at the carnival hosted by Modern Midways. Ms. Heasman is described as 5'02" wearing a white shirt, black leggings, and black/white Nike shoes. At this time, it is suspected that Ms. Heasman is accompanied by Rafael Flores, age 20 of Powder Springs, Georgia. (Photo below).
If you have information on the whereabouts of Ms. Heasman, contact the Vidalia Police Department – Investigative Services Division at (912) 537-4123 or Crimestoppers at (912) 386-4480.
