LdF tribe offers $25,000 reward in missing person case

The Lac du Flambeau Tribe and the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department (LDFPD) are offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the return of 37-year-old Melissa Beson and/or the arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in her disappearance.

Beson was reported missing on March 23. The last confirmed sighting of her was on Monday, March 17, during the late afternoon. At that time, Beson was observed walking on Indian Village Road, near Wayman Lane, in Lac du Flambeau.

When last seen Beson was wearing red sweatpants, a black sleeveless shirt, and a gray sweatshirt. Beson is a Native American female, 5’7”, with a medium build, brown hair and brown eyes. She has numerous tattoos, including on her neck, arms and legs.

The LDFPD remains steadfast in its investigation into Beson’s disappearance. Every lead, no matter how small, is being thoroughly pursued to find her. Authorities have continuously searched the area in which Beson was last seen, as well as other areas of interest. LDFPD officers and assisting agencies have conducted grid searches on foot, have deployed high-tech drones and airplanes, and have searched using specially trained canines. To date, over 3,400 acres have been searched, according to an LDFPD press release.

The reward offered by the Tribe will be apportioned as deemed just by the Tribe, in the event, for example, multiple credible tips are received which lead to the discovery of Beson and/or the arrest and charging of anyone responsible for her disappearance. Employees of law enforcement and correctional agencies are not eligible to collect the reward.

Anyone with any information regarding the disappearance or location of Beson are asked to call the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department at 715-588-7717 or the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office at 715-479-4441.