Hatfield
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I've seen quite a few references to FBI involvement and I'm throwing something out there as a question / thought / information seeking.
As far as I can tell, FBI involvement in Jayme's case would be pretty limited. 1034 and 1035 of the federal criminal resource manual outline what FBI's juristiction is in missing persons cases.
(1035. FBI Assistance in Missing Persons Cases)
(1034. Kidnapping—Federal Jurisdiction)
Unless I'm understanding incorrectly, in Jayme's case the FBI would have determined if her disappearance met the terms of their involvement (1 -6 of 1034) and seemingly found that it did not. Basically that Jayme is not tender age (under 12) and wasn't likely involved in some sort of interstate kidnapping or trafficking.
Once that was determined by the FBI, their involvement would be limited to what Fitzgerald requests which is outlined in 1035. Which includes facilities of identification and laboratories available to the FBI that may not be to local LE.
The impression that the FBI is (or was) involved in this case is what I am questioning and seeking more information on. I think the assumption is that FBI comes in and gets involved in every aspect of the case, investigation, evidence, etc. and I don't think that's accurate.
Based on everything I have found once it's determined that a kidnapping doesn't meet federal jurisdiction - FBI involvement is limited to providing forensics & identification (UPON REQUEST of local LE) that small police forces don't have access to.
Am I way off ?
Its a good question and I really dont know. I read the rules and am still confused. I had always assumed that FBI can get involved when a crime crosses state lines.
Im not sure after reading that if that is true anymore. Of course if LE does not even know if she was taken out of state yet then that would not necessarily apply anyway right now until proven the perp(s) left the state with her.
Its a good question and I will let others try to help answer. I do think you are right about the part that states can ask for their assistance with certain things regardless if they are officially assigned to the case and they can assist local LE if they accept to do that for them.