Nonprofit offers $25,000 reward for information in Andi Wagner's missing person case

Houston Harwood, Evansville Courier & Press
Updated ·4 min read

EVANSVILLE — Nearly two years after Andi Wagner disappeared from the Evansville area, a Florida-based philanthropic group has put forward a $25,000 reward for information that can lead law enforcement to Wagner’s location.

Wagner’s case has garnered national attention from the likes of Nancy Grace, and videos and news articles discussing her disappearance have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

But despite public search efforts and involvement from a mix of law enforcement agencies − including the FBI − Wagner has not been seen since Aug. 6, 2022. Wagner was 24 years old when family members reported her missing from Newburgh that month.

Now, Wagner’s loved ones hope an increased reward of $25,000 offered by USPA Nationwide Security’s philanthropic organization can move the needle. USPA describes itself as a “security guard and firewatch company,” but its nonprofit division, Kingsman Philanthropic Corp., directs resources to unsolved missing persons cases.

“You may submit a lead by calling or texting 930-212-2610 or by emailing tips@therealkingsman.org,” a news release announcing the reward states. Kingsman funds its operations via a profit-sharing arrangement with USPA.

A missing person flyer prepared and distributed by Kingsman Philanthropic Corp. displays photographs of Andi Wagner and highlights a newly offered $25,000 reward for information.
A missing person flyer prepared and distributed by Kingsman Philanthropic Corp. displays photographs of Andi Wagner and highlights a newly offered $25,000 reward for information.

The organization notes that Wagner would now be 26 years old, has brown hair and brown eyes, a slim build and stands about 5 feet 4 inches tall.

Kristy Maloney, a retired New York City Police Department detective who is working with Kingsman to find Wagner, said the organization provides its services at no cost to families. While the group is not affiliated with law enforcement, it does conduct parallel investigations and works to compile tips.

“We really feel like somebody knows something,” Maloney said of Wagner’s case. “And not because it’s $25,000 - that is an incentive - but because the tide feels like it’s kind of turning.”

Award money follows execution of search warrants in Gibson County

In May, the FBI and local law enforcement searched properties in Oakland City, Indiana, in connection with Wagner’s disappearance. The area had long been a focus for Wagner’s family.

"Evidence was collected by authorities and sent to the state lab for testing," Sgt. Trudy Day, of the Evansville Police Department, wrote in a news release. Maloney said state lab tests regarding any evidence collected by law enforcement appeared to be pending.

More: May 20 arrest at Bally's Hotel & Casino could have broader implications

In December 2023, Brian Fitzgibbons, USPA’s director of fire watch and security operations, appeared on Crime Stories with Nancy Grace alongside Wagner’s mother, Elaine Garcia. The 40-minute-long episode has been viewed more than 140,000 times on YouTube.

“We lose so much information as time transpires,” Fitzgibbons said in response to a question from Grace. “We’ve got a picture from these tipsters of where, who, why, what was transpiring on (Aug. 6, 2022). We’ve got a picture beginning to be painted, but there are obviously a lot of gaps that need to be followed up by law enforcement.”

During the episode, Fitzgibbons praised Garcia for her unyielding resolve to find her daughter. Garcia unexpectedly passed away not long after the Nancy Grace episode aired in yet another heart-wrenching blow to Wagner’s family. She conducted numerous searches on behalf of her daughter, particularly near Oakland City and Gibson County but also in Evansville and Newburgh.

Fitzgibbons told the Courier & Press that law enforcement's searches in May helped spur Kingsman to raise the $25,000 award, saying, "This is part of our ongoing commitment to find Andi Wagner."

More: Andi Wagner still considered a 'missing person' one year after disappearance

Maloney described the case as a "marathon of pain" for Wagner's family, a sentiment echoed by Fitzgibbons. Both were quick to emphasize that Kingsman is asking anyone with information regarding Wagner - no matter how insignificant - to call the tip line.

What makes for a good tip? Specificity

While any and all information is appreciated and useful, Fitzgibbons said tips that provide specific information and that come from direct knowledge are often more useful for investigators. Tips that would be of particular help include:

  • Wagner's whereabouts and movements in the days leading up to Aug. 6, 2022

  • Wagner's connections to people and places

  • Information about any vehicles that could be involved

  • Information that speaks to Wagner's state of mind

"We're certainly not in the business of trying to turn away calls or scare people away if their information isn't good enough," Fitzgibbons said. "What makes a really good tip, in general, is something that is specific."

Franky Garcia, Elaine Garcia's niece and a longtime advocate for Wagner's case, told the Courier & Press that she hopes the $25,000 reward can serve as the “missing piece” to the awful puzzle that has become her family member's disappearance.

“Hopefully we’re getting to the end of this – finally finding the answers,” she said. “At this point, we’re literally begging people to come forward with whatever information they have, to send it in."

To submit a tip to Kingsman, call or text 930-212-2610 or email tips@therealkingsman.org. The EPD can be contacted at 812-436-7979.

Houston Harwood can be contacted at houston.harwood@courierpress.com.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Reward offered in case of missing woman Andi Wagner