A nationwide search is underway for Joseph Dean Roberts, a transient who has been named a person of interest in in connection with the disappearance of a 45-year old Ponte Vedra woman.
No one has heard from Brittany Jeniveve Tavar for approximately two-weeks. Tavar was last seen with Roberts during the timeframe of her disappearance.
Meanwhile, Tavar’s two missing dogs we’re found wandering in South Carolina and Roberts has been spotted in various spots — making his way across the country.
One of Tavar’s dogs was located in Hopkins, S.C. on July 10. A witness spotted the dog chasing a vehicle and took it to a local veterinarian. A microchip was scanned that identified the victim as the dog’s owner.
The second missing dog was found around the same time and in the same area. It had been taken in from the roadway by people for safe keeping. The people came forward with the dog after news reports surfaced of the missing woman. A microchip scan revealed that the dog was indeed, the second missing dog of Tavar.
The following day, a police officer at the Evanston Police Department in Wyoming, conducted a traffic stop on the victim’s vehicle. At the time, Tavar had not been reported missing and the suspect, who was driving, was given a verbal warning for excessive speed. The victim was not in the vehicle at that time.
Over 12 hours later Roberts entered a Wal-Mart in Ontario, Oregon. There he purchased a tent, a vintage styled black T-shirt and tan cargo shorts. He was also seen in the store wearing a dark colored T-shirt and tan colored shorts.
Roberts, who did not have an address, had been arrested on two occasions over the past two years. He was arrested in St. Johns County on a retail theft charge at Wal-Mart in February of 2009 and was arrested in March of this year at an abandoned house in the 6600 block of U.S. 1 South. He was charged with retail theft for being in possession of two DVD’s belonging to the St. Johns County library and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A nationwide alert has been issued for the suspect and the victim. Both The U.S. Marshal’s Service and The Federal Bureau of Investigation have joined in the investigation.
In addition, the victim’s family has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Roberts.
Roberts is described as a white male, 26 years old, 6’1" tall, 170 pounds with brown hair and hazel eyes. Tavar is a white female, 45 years old, 5’7" tall, 120 pounds with blonde hair and brown eyes. The 2004 Toyota Rav4 has a Florida tag of Q66 2NJ.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detectives George Harrigan or Charles Brantley at the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at (904)824-8304. Tips can also be e-mailed to crimetips@sjso.org, or through local CrimeStoppers.
shanegriffis@pontevedrarecorder.com
(904)285-8831 ext.31
