The Marion County Sheriff’s office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 13-year-old rural Salem girl who left her residence during the early morning hours of April 30th and is believed to have departed voluntarily.
Sheriff Kevin Cripps says Hope L. Ballard is currently considered an Endangered Missing Person. At the request of the sheriff’s department, the State of Illinois has issued an Endangered Missing Person Advisory for Ballard.
She is described as approximately five feet tall, weighing 200 pounds, with hazel eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a white shirt and pajama pants.
Investigators believe her possible destination may include the states of Virginia or Oklahoma.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 618-548-2141, notify their local law enforcement agency or submit a tip through the Marion County Sheriff’s Office mobile app.
Cripps says law enforcement will continue to work diligently until Hope is located.
Photo of 13-year-old Hope Ballard, who has been reported missing.
