Disappearance of Jeremiah Demitrus Moneta

The disappearance of Jeremiah Demitrus Moneta refers to the missing person case involving a 22-year-old African American man from Ponca City, Oklahoma, who was last seen on January 15, 2025. Moneta was reported missing to the Ponca City Police Department on January 20, 2025, after his family searched for him independently for several days.

Background

Jeremiah Demitrus Moneta, age 22, resided in Ponca City, Oklahoma, having relocated from Kansas City, Missouri, approximately eight months prior to his disappearance. Moneta was employed at Capstone Logistics and had recently established himself in a new apartment. According to family members, he was described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 130 pounds, with distinguishing features including facial hair and a Playboy Bunny tattoo on his chest. His primary mode of transportation was a bicycle.

Disappearance

Last Known Contact

Moneta's mother, Jaimie Hansen, last communicated with her son on January 15, 2025. According to Hansen, they had planned to meet but Moneta indicated he had to work. Hansen attempted to contact Moneta via text message on January 17 at 12:45 p.m., but received no response.

Initial Search and Report

When Moneta failed to appear for work on January 16, 2025, and did not respond to communications, his family began searching for him independently. After two days of unsuccessful attempts to locate him, his family reported him missing to the Ponca City Police Department on January 20, 2025.

Last Known Location

Authorities reported that Moneta was last seen in the area of North Pine Street and West Cleveland Avenue in Ponca City. Police indicated he may have been in the vicinity of 2nd Street and Summit Avenue around the time of his disappearance. Additionally, investigations revealed he was at Highland Liquor Store on the night he disappeared.

Investigation

Evidence Located

Several of Moneta's personal items were discovered during the investigation. According to the Ponca City Police Department, some of his belongings were found in the 400 block of North Union Street. Specifically, Moneta's cellular phone was found in SomeOne else's possession, and his asthma inhaler was discovered on a stranger's porch. Family members emphasized that Moneta never left his inhaler behind, as it was essential for his medical condition.

Police Response

The Ponca City Police Department initially indicated there were no signs of suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance. However, subsequent developments in the investigation led authorities to suspect that individuals in the community possessed information AbOUT the case. Police Captain Kevin Jeffries stated that the department had potential search warrants pending based on information from the phone and financial records.

Authorities noted that Moneta's bank account remained untouched and his apartment showed no signs of disturbance. His bicycle, which served as his primary transportation, was found undisturbed in his apartment.

Law Enforcement Actions

The case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) as case number MP137407 on January 29, 2025. Family members reported seeking assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Kay County SHERIFF's Department, and the Attorney General's office. According to Hansen, OSBI officials indicated that local police would need to request their assistance before they could become involved.

During the investigation, authorities received tips that led to a search of an area around White Eagle, Oklahoma, which yielded no results. Additionally, law enforcement arrested an individual who was found in possession of Moneta's phone on outstanding warrants.

Community Response

Family-Led Search Efforts

Hansen organized multiple volunteer search parties, including gatherings at the Hobby Lobby parking lot in Ponca City. Volunteers were encouraged to bring boats and drones to assist in searching creeks, lakes, and ponds. The family distributed flyers and conducted extensive searches of the local area.

Vigils and Awareness Events

In June 2025, Hansen organized a candlelight vigil and celebration to raise reward money for information leading to her son's whereabouts. The event was scheduled for June 28, 2025, at Vapez on U.S. Highway 60. Hansen also attended a missing person awareness event at the Oklahoma State Capitol to advocate for her son's case.

Reward Offering

The family established a reward fund for information leading to Moneta's location. By March 2025, Hansen had announced a $2,000 reward for credible information. Community fundraising efforts were organized to increase the reward amount.

Current Status

As of August 2025, Moneta remains missing, with the case still under ACTIVE investigation by the Ponca City Police Department. Hansen continues to advocate for her son's case and maintains regular public communications about the ongoing search efforts. The Ponca City Police Department requests that anyone with information contact their detectives division at (580) 767-0370.