MACCLENNY, Fla. – Baker County and Jacksonville deputies searched property behind the home of Lonzie Barton's grandmother's house in Baker County, but found nothing related to the case of the 21-month-old boy who disappeared three weeks ago.
Volunteer searchers looking in woods off Steel Bridge Road north of Macclenny found what appeared to be a small grave about 150 feet behind a home and alerted the Baker County Sheriff's Office. Deputies spent about 90 minutes searching and digging and brought in a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office cadaver dog, but nothing of interest was found.
Baker County Sheriff Joey Dobson said that while his office has received tips in this case, this is the first actual search in the county.
"This is the first tip that concerns Baker County, that maybe something was there in our county," Dobson said. "We have received tips to our office that related back to Duval. Of course, we would always call JSO and relate that information."
The search for Lonzie's body was scaled back nearly two weeks ago, but search teams do respond when they receive tips in the case.
A reward of more $12,000 is being offered for a tip that leads to Lonzie being found. Callers can remain anonymous by calling 866-845-TIPS.
Ruben Ebron, the boyfriend of Lonzie's mother who was watching the toddler when he disappeared July 24, remains in the Duval County jail on charges of child neglect. On Friday, an additional charge of giving false information to law enforcement was added.
Ebron is due in court Monday for an arraignment on the child neglect charges.