The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office continues active efforts to locate 13-year-old Johnathan Sechler Morales, who was reported missing from China Grove late last year. The sheriff’s office is now offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to locating him safely.
Investigators are working in coordination with state and federal partners, noted a release from the department. It has been more than six weeks since family and friends last had direct contact with Morales.
The investigation began on Dec. 29, 2025, when his parents reported they had not heard from him in three days.
According to the release from the sheriff’s office, around that time, Morales contacted his mother through a friend and stated he was in Gastonia, asking for a ride.
“The ride home was never provided, and investigators were not made aware of this communication at the time of the report,” noted the release. “It remains unclear how he traveled to Gastonia. Witnesses who reported seeing (Morales) in Gastonia also told investigators he may have left that area and traveled toward the Charlotte region; however, there have been no confirmed sightings in Charlotte.”
Detectives continue to monitor social media accounts and review electronic data. At present, investigators have not found credible evidence indicating he has been active online since December. Information reportedly developed through digital evidence and witness interviews suggests Morales may have associated with individuals involved in gang activity prior to his disappearance. Investigators are examining whether that association may be relevant to his current whereabouts.
Investigators remain engaged and are pursuing available leads. Due to his age and the extended lack of contact, authorities are increasingly concerned for his safety.
Sheriff Travis Allen said, “This is a 13-year-old child who has now been out of contact for an extended amount of time. Due to his age and the length of time he has been missing, we believe it is crucial that he is located as soon as possible. The longer a child remains missing, the greater the concern becomes for their safety. We are asking the public to take this matter seriously and report any information that could help bring him home safely.”
In addition to the reward offered by the Sheriff’s Office, Rowan County Crime Stoppers has agreed to match the amount, bringing the total possible reward to $2,000 for information that helps locate him.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8700 or submit a tip through Rowan County Crime Stoppers by calling 1-866-639-5245 or by visiting https://ift.tt/8yQMwSR. Tips may be provided anonymously.
