It's been a year since a photo first surfaced showing exactly what authorities found inside Paul Ceglia’s home in Wellsville, Allegany County. Ceglia, his 36-year-old wife, Iasia, and their sons, 10-year-old Leeman, and 11-year-old Joseffinn were gone. But Ceglia’s electronic monitoring bracelet was not. Federal authorities said he attached it to a motorized contraption mounted to the ceiling so it appeared he was still moving around inside his home.
Iasia’s younger sister, Brianna Caster spoke about her sister when the family first went missing. “I know my sister, and I know that she wanted to be near her family and I know she would not take off without telling us where she was going.”
Ceglia was facing fraud charges. He was set to go on trial last May after falsely claiming part ownership of Facebook. Authorities believe Ceglia took off to avoid prosecution, and his family went with him. During an interview last year, Caster agreed, and she begged for her sister's safe return. “We all believe this is not her choice that she did not want to leave that if she left willingly it was because she was concerned for her children and couldn't leave with her children. I'm very concerned for her and I just I keep thinking that it's not real I think. In the back of my head, it hasn't really set in that I may never see her again that's the scariest thought.”
The U.S. Marshal’s Office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to Ceglia. If you have information, text the keyword USMARSHALSWNY and your message to 847411. The tip line is anonymous. So, please include your contact information if you wish to be reached.
