Nine-year-old Carlie Marie Trent remained missing a week after her uncle by marriage, 57-year-old Gary Simpson, took her from her elementary school in Rogersville, Tennessee, on May 4. Authorities said Simpson falsely told school staff that Carlie’s father had been in a car accident and had no authority to pick her up. A Tennessee Amber Alert remained active as investigators searched for the pair.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it had credible information that Carlie was in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death, though officials did not disclose the details. TBI spokesman Josh DeVine rejected speculation that Simpson had taken her for protection, saying it was a crime, not an innocent camping trip. Agents had received more than 1,200 leads, and law enforcement in 19 states was investigating possible sightings, but none had been confirmed as credible. A Missouri Amber Alert issued after a possible sighting near Otterville was canceled.

Investigators said Simpson bought clothing, girls’ underwear, a bikini, cosmetics, a blanket and a child’s camping chair at a Walmart before taking Carlie. He later purchased nonperishable food and toiletries at a grocery store. Authorities believed he may have planned to remain out of sight in a remote area or campground. They contacted park and campground officials in several states and asked rural property owners to check their land for anything suspicious.

Carlie’s mother, Shannon Trent, said Simpson had been a trusted family member and previously had custody of Carlie and her sister with his wife. Carlie’s father, James Trent, had custody at the time of her disappearance. Shannon said she had long had a bad feeling about Simpson and pleaded for Carlie’s return. James said he believed Simpson had developed an obsession with their daughter.

Two Knoxville banking executives, Matt Daniels and Tim Williams, offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Carlie’s return, matching a separate $10,000 reward offered by her pediatrician, Dr. Chris Calendine. The U.S. Marshals Service offered $5,000 for information leading to her recovery and Simpson’s capture.

The pair were last seen traveling in a white 2002 Dodge conversion van with Tennessee license plate **173GPS**. Carlie was described as 4 feet 8 inches tall and about 75 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. Simpson was described as balding, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 157 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information was asked to call **1-800-TBI-FIND** or Rogersville police at **423-272-7555**; anyone who spotted the pair or their van was urged to call **911**.