Finding Madalina Cojocari, 11, is like 'searching for needle in haystack', says former FBI agent
CORNELIUS, NORTH CAROLINA: A new investigation into possible drug and human trafficking connections raises the possibility that Madalina Cojocari may still be alive even though she has been missing for more than 100 days. The 11-year-old Madalina was last seen on November 23, 2022, at her home in Cornelius, North Carolina, but it wasn't until December 15, 2022, that she was reported missing.
Court documents claim that Madalina's mother, Diana Cojocari, discussed a 'smuggling plot' with a distant relative who was allegedly in contact with drug traffickers, leading to the initiation of the trafficking probe. Diana, 37, reportedly requested help from a distant relative to flee with Madalina from her husband, Christopher Palmiter, whom she intended to divorce. Court records claim that the relative is said to have made "multiple calls to phone numbers belonging to unidentified targets involved in ongoing T3 drug/narcotic trafficking investigations," according to The Sun. Even though there is hope for Madalina's survival, it is certainly challenging to locate a victim of human trafficking. M Quentin Williams, a former FBI agent, stated, "It's a needle in a haystack," according to WCNC.
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'It's a court order title 3 investigation'
Phone records reveal that Diana and the relative spoke on the phone for over two weeks after Madalina was officially reported missing, on December 2, 2022. Williams stated, "It's a court order title 3 investigation, which allows investigators to listen to the phone call conversations or to other conversations that might otherwise be protected by privacy laws," according to WCNC.
Law enforcement analyst Roy Taylor stated, "Now we can start looking, doing a Venn diagram of family members and known associate and friend and their involvement in drugs, so it gives another investigative tool and gives more hope that the young girl is still alive," according to WCNC.
Why do officials think Madalina Cojocari is still alive?
Authorities believe Madalina was taken to a location near her family and friends, raising the probability that she is still alive. Taylor stated, "Maybe she was able to be smuggled to another area with family or friends who can keep her safe so that's our hope, but we just don't know."
Investigators conducted various searches at the family residence between December 15 and December 30 and discovered more than 40 items connected to Madalina's disappearance. A spokesperson for the town of Cornelius previously said finding Madalina remains a key priority for the municipality of Cornelius and they are striving to conduct a comprehensive investigation, according to The Sun.
Anyone with information on Madalina's whereabouts have been urged to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773 or the North Mecklenburg Crimestoppers at 704-896-7867.
