UPDATE (January 7th, 2015):
A Campbell County grand jury has indicted Lonnie Vann with first degree murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the disappearance of LaFollette woman Rhonda Daugherty. Rhonda's body has not been found.
Officials have yet to release what evidence they have in the case. However, Rhonda's husband, Charles Daugherty, was listed as a witness on a grand jury indictment from July 2014 that charged Vann with solicitation of a minor, according to NBC affiliate WBIR.
Chief Deputy Aaron Evans told Dateline that Vann, who is currently in custody in South Carolina after fleeing the state, will soon be extradited back to Tennessee.
Vann is also facing robbery charges after he allegedly robbed a married couple in their home back in early December. Investigators told WBIR that Vann had previously worked for the couple and was invited into their home before he pulled a gun on them, tied them up, and stole cash and several firearms.
In July 2014, Vann was indicted on charges of solicitation of a minor resulting from an accusation made in October 2013 from a 13-year-old student who told police Vann took her off campus and attempted to kiss her.
Daugherty was last seen the morning of December 2nd, 2014. Her husband, Charles Daugherty, told police that he arrived home that evening to find the back door wide open. All of her belongings, including her cell phone, purse, keys and vehicle, were located at the home. However, Rhonda was nowhere to be found.
UPDATE (December 11th, 2014):
The Campbell County Sheriff's Office has increased the reward for information regarding Rhonda Daughtery's disappearance from $4,500 to $10,000, according to NBC affiliate WBIR.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Campbell County Sheriff's Office at (423) 562-7446.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE (December 8th, 2014):
Rhonda Daugherty, 49, vanished on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014, from her home in LaFollette, Tennessee.
Her husband, Charles Daugherty, told police that he arrived home that evening to find the back door wide open. All of her belongings, including her cell phone, purse, keys and vehicle, were located at the home. However, Rhonda was nowhere to be found.
"Not knowing what's happened is the biggest thing, just not knowing what's happened to her. Is she out here cold and alone? I don't know. I want to find her," Charles told NBC affiliate WBIR.
Family and friends said it’s very unlike Rhonda to simply vanish, especially as she is expected to become a first-time grandmother this week.
Police have not commented on whether or not the mother’s disappearance is suspicious, but they have launched an investigation. The sheriff’s office is also offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to her whereabouts.
"We're just devastated," Rhonda's cousin, Scott Kitts, told Dateline. "Especially with the holidays coming up, we are all out of minds with worry. Rhonda is a big part of the community here."
Rhonda is described as 5’3”, 150 lbs., with auburn hair and hazel eyes. If you have any information that could help in the case, please call the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 562-7446. You can also visit the Facebook page, Search for Rhonda Kitts Daugherty, for more information.