Law enforcement officials say that the disappearance of a teacher from Roxbury is not considered to be suspicious, but they say that they are concerned for her well-being.
Lara Emanuele, 46, was reported missing on June 7 after not returning home from work. Her car was then found in the parking lot of a hotel on Howard Boulevard.
Officials say that her phone was found in the car and that she was seen leaving the area of her own free will.
Authorities say that the search for Emanuele is centered on the Berkshire Valley State Wildlife Management Area and surrounding areas.
Emanuele is a teacher at the Roxbury Alexander Hamilton School.
“We know Ms. Emanuele was a special person, evident in the outpouring of support and offers to help this case has generated. Regrettably, her disappearance has also spawned rumors and speculation on social media, spread by people falsely claiming to represent law enforcement. Out of respect and consideration for Emanuele’s family, there will be no further comment on the details of this investigation,” officials wrote in a statement.
Anyone who might have information about the disappearance is urged to contact the Roxbury Police Department at 973-448-2100 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit at 973-285-2900.