January 23, 2023

• Sara changed her phone number and messaged her sister Michelle to inform her that Joe had been intrusively accessing her device again. He had been illegally logging into her Gmail account, allowing him to monitor everything she was doing, including her 24-hour location, emails, texts, and photos.

January 29, 2023

• Sara began using a new device, an iPhone 8.

March 2, 2023,

• 7:00 PM: Sara Ebersole got off work around 7:00 pm and sent a text message to her sister asking for a ride home, but her sister was unavailable at the time.
• 7:50 PM: she sent another text, telling her sister to say “hi” to her children.
• 10:00 PM: Sara was in the area of the Circle K gas station located at 17980 N Highway 441 in Reddick, Florida and left the Circle K in a black pickup truck with two unknown Males.
• 10:10 PM: iCloud shows Sara Ebersole took a photo at 10:10 p.m. with James Robinson aka Bubba near the Citgo gas station in in Reddick Florida.
• 10:11 PM: Ebersole’s last text to her sister was sent at 10:11 pm, saying she “was getting into a random truck with some cowboys” and that she hoped “they took her on a ride.’”
• Sara Ebersole was dropped off with James Michael Robinson aka Bubba at his subdivided residence in the 18080 North Highway 441 Reddick Florida. in Reddick and the two of them spent several hours socializing with James Schaller and Tesesha McDermitt, who lived in the other half of the residence.

March 3, 2023

• after midnight, Sara left that residence with Tyrone Morman
• 1:22 AM Sara iCloud shows photos being taken
• 2:40 AM: YouTube activity until 2:40 a.m.
• 2:57 AM: Gmail synced
• 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM: left the house between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m. in a newer model blue Hyundai sedan, driven by a Hispanic male in his mid-thirties with long dark hair and a thin build. Although the witnesses said they thought the car might be an Uber, police were able to determine that Sara didn’t call for an Uber on the night she disappeared. They stated she could have taken an off-the-books ride, however, or a ride from a third party.

Sara’s Home:

• Sara’s shoes were inside the house – The shoes Sara was wearing the night she disappeared We’re at her home when the roommate returned 2 days later from a woman veteran retreat.
• Her cigarettes and lighter out on the porch 
• They’re did not appear to be a struggle 
• She had no dirty clothes anywhere as if she changed
• Sara had over $1000 cash on her the night she went missing from work.

Missing Items:

• Toothbrush, Hairbrush and Makeup brushes
• A binder illegal documents pertaining to Joseph Mayton criminal history from 2019 for all case records to year 2000.
• A teddy bear with Dahlia on it from when her daughter was born.
• Legal paperwork she kept in a manila envelope showing her daughter had a name change Dahlia Marie Vann to Cora Dhalia Mayton

March 5, 2023,

• The Marion County Sheriff’s Office – MCSO received a missing person report regarding Sara Ebersole. Her roommate, Deborah Ritchie, had not seen her since March 2, 2023, and Ebersole’s sister, Michele Tullis, had been unable to contact her. Deputy K. Turner (#6387) responded to the residence of the reporting party, Ms. Ritchie, located at 19220 Northwest 60th Avenue.

March 15, 2023,

• Detectives was assigned to the case as part of my responsibilities as a Major Crimes Detective. After a detailed investigation, Tyrone Morman, was identified as a person of interest in the disappearance and presumed death of Sara Ebersole.

March 29, 2023

• Sara’s ex-boyfriend Joseph Merlyn Mayton arrested for Assault and battery on a 75 year old male. 

March 31, 2023,

• Marion County Sheriff’s Office  posted a release about Sara’s disappearance. According to the post, Sara was captured on security footage on March 2, 2023, at around 10:00 p.m., in the area of the Circle K gas station located at 17980 N Highway 441 in Reddick, Florida. It added that Sara willingly left the Circle K in a black pickup truck with two unknown Males.

April 2023:

• The 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD black Pickup was Located after Le released that she was last seen getting into a black truck.

May 12, 2023

• Update: The men in the truck that picked up Sara have been located and spoken to by law enforcement. Driver of the Truck: Leonard Anderson. Leonard Anderson the driver of the truck dropped Sara and James Robinson off AKA Bubba at 18080 North US Highway 441Reddick Florida

October 3, 2023

• Sarah’s sister started a Gofundme for legal expenses to get a custodianship for Sara’s 5-year-old daughter. Link

She wrote: My sister Sara Ebersole has been missing actively for 7 months. We suspect foul Play. I applied for custodianship of my 5-year-old niece after my sister went missing. The court has dismissed my case. And now the other party one of the suspects and my sister’s missing person’s case has been awarded attorneys fees. I’ve been giving a start date of 60 days to come up the first part of the attorney’s fees. Or they will file contempt of court and charge me with more attorneys fees. My sister loved her daughter more than anything It’s my duty to save my niece from this monster. 6 years of torture abuse false allegations alienation and now my sister is missing.

November 7, 2023

• The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) made a Facebook post that carried an accusatory and unprofessional tone. Post
  

They Wrote: “We know that this investigation has been the subject of much speculation on social media, including by those who are trying to conduct their own investigation into Sara’s disappearance”…. MCSO post goes on to address accusations by saying, “Worse yet, they may falsely accuse somebody of having taken part in a crime, which not only subjects an innocent person to harassment and ridicule

“For what it’s worth, detectives have confirmed Sara did not order any Uber services on the night of her disappearance but have not ruled out the possibility that she could have left with a third-party. Detectives are actively working to investigate whether that occurred, including determining whether a Gainesville-based Uber driver who owned a dark-colored sedan could have given Sara an “off-the-books” ride on March 3, 2023. Besides investigating these possibilities, detectives are investigating additional tips that point to the involvement of other persons in Sara’s disappearance.“

December 5, 2023

• Sara’s sister Michelle starts a petition to Demand Marion County Sheriff’s Department to Subpoena Cell Phone Records in her sisters Missing Person Case
  

December 6, 2023

• After nine months of persistence, Michelle, the sister of a 27-year-old missing woman, finally secured permission to search the area near North US Highway 441 to search for Sara Ebersole. Marion County Search and Rescue, along with volunteers and search dogs, conducted a thorough search, and the area has since been taped off for further investigation.  Link 

December 7, 2023,

• UPDATE (12/7): WCJB reported that forensic investigators examined the property, but nothing suspicious was found. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) remained on the scene with a guard posted overnight after three search dogs alerted to something on the property.

December 19, 2023

• Detectives obtained a search warrant for the Tyrone Morman’s Apple iPhone to examine and seize data, including application information, call logs, text message logs with content, photographs, videos, and GPS location data.

December 20, 2023 – Tyrone Morman

• As of December 20, 2023, there has been no contact with Ebersole from friends or family, including her young daughter. Additionally, there has been no activity on her social media accounts or financial transactions. Ebersole’s normal patterns of life ceased as of March 3rd, 2023, and her remains have not been located. The investigation remains active, with the Tyrone Morman identified as someone who may have information about Ebersole’s disappearance.
• 9:30 a.m., detectives responded to the Tyrone Morman’s place of employment in the 3000 block of Northeast 47th Place during his normal working hours. Upon arrival, I made contact with the business owner, who informed me that the Defendant was not working at the time and was uncertain when he would return to work. Detective M. Coates (#M6023) and I then proceeded to 6495 Northwest 223rd Street, the residence of the Tyrone Morman. Detectives parked on the road in front of the property and observed a blue Hyundai Sonata, matching the description of a vehicle used by the Defendant and owned by his girlfriend, Shayla Richardson.
• 10:43 a.m., Tyrone Morman exited the front door of the residence and walked into the yard. Detectives asked Tyrone Morman why he had not returned calls and missed his scheduled appointment to allow the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to extract the contents of his cell phone. Tyrone Morman responded by stating, “Everything is ‘he said, he said,’” and claimed he had already told me everything during our previous conversation. He expressed frustration, stating that people were blaming him for being involved and that law enforcement was causing issues for him at his workplace.It is noteworthy that law enforcement had only visited the Tyrone Morman’s workplace approximately one hour before this interaction. Tyrone Morman awareness of this visit could only have come from receiving electronic communication or from someone physically informing him at his residence within that short time frame.
• Tyrone Morman stated that his phone was “trashed.” When I asked him where the phone was currently located, he claimed it was broken and that he had thrown it in a trashcan approximately one to one and a half weeks ago. The Defendant explained that the phone was completely non-functional and that he disposed of it while at work. He mentioned that he planned to get a new phone soon.
• Detective Canterberry responded to Shayla Richardson’s place of employment to speak with her regarding the investigation. Richardson stated that the Defendant had not broken his Apple iPhone and had not acquired a new phone. She further disclosed that the Tyrone Morman had dropped her off at work around 10:00 a.m. that morning and that he still had the phone in his possession at that time.
• Based on the facts and statements gathered, it was determined that Tyrone Morman lied about discarding his Apple iPhone in the trash over a week ago and that he was still in possession of the phone. Tyrone Morman knowingly and willfully provided false information to me with the intent to mislead or impede the investigation.
• 3:37 PM: Tyrone Morman Arrested.
  

February 2, 2024

• An unknown individual renewed Cora’s medical and dental benefits in Florida under Sara’s name, despite Joseph residing in Kentucky at the time. Records: From Michelle
  

March 3, 2024,

the Marion County Sheriff’s Office named Tyrone Morman as a person of interest in Sara Ebersole’s disappearance.

• On March 2, 2023, Sara was given a ride from a convenience store to a residence located at 18080 North U.S. Highway 441 in Reddick. She and James Robinson were dropped off there. She spent some of that night with Mr. Robinson, who lived in one half of the subdivided residence, and James Schaller and Teesha McDermitt, a couple who resided in the other half of the subdivided residence. Through Detective Ryan Stith’s investigation, he has developed numerous new leads, including this one: sometime after midnight, Sara left that residence with Tyrone Morman.
• While Detective Stith continued his investigation, he spoke with Morman, who initially stated that he never had any contact with Sara and was not in town during her disappearance. Having witnesses to the contrary, Detective Stith obtained a search warrant for Morman’s cell phone. Morman claimed that he had broken his phone and threw it out. However, Detective Stith had a witness who stated Morman still possessed his cell phone. Another warrant was obtained to search Morman’s home and seize the phone, and Morman eventually turned the phone over. Due to Morman giving law enforcement false information, he was arrested.
• During a search of Morman’s phone, detectives located information which suggests Morman and Sara were at a 24-hour convenience store in the Northwest part of Marion County in the early morning hours of March 3, 2023. Morman is considered a person of interest in the disappearance of Sara and will not speak with the detectives; we are hoping that there are people in this community who may know things that could help us find out what happened to Sara. If you know anything that might help us find her – even if it seems unimportant – please call and let us know. It may be the piece of the puzzle we need. Link

April 16, 2024

• Joseph created a Gofundme campaign Link

May 18, 2024

• James Michael Robinson was discovered deceased by his roommate on the morning of Sunday, May 18, 2024. The cause of death was determined to be a drug overdose. His family created a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist with the funeral expenses. James was among the last individuals seen with Sara on the night she disappeared.
  

August 12, 2024

• Sara’s Ex-Husband was arrested: Thomas Allen Ebersole (32, Dunnellon) on an indictment charging him with transporting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity. On December 28, 2023, Ebersole drove from his residence in Florida to Ohio where the minor lived. Once there, Ebersole picked up the minor and immediately drove her back to Florida where they engaged in sexual activity. The minor stayed in Ebersole’s home until January 3, 2024, when law enforcement was able to identify her location through the Internet Protocol (IP) address she used to play video games online. After law enforcement removed the minor from Ebersole’s home, DNA results confirmed that Ebersole had engaged in sexual activity with her. Link
  

October 24, 2024

Sara’s sister, Michelle, shared a post on Facebook quoting James Robinson:

• “I gave Marion County Tyrone Morman’s name when they first talked to me about Sara. I told them he drove her and that I helped carry her to the car!”
  

October 28, 2024

Sara’s sister Michelle posted the following message on her Facebook page: 

• “DCF is looking to speak with Joseph Merlyn Mayton It’s pretty obvious that he’s fleeing DCF in Naples Florida. Cora Mayton age 6 Joseph Merlyn Mayton age 44 Traveling in a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe silver Right now law enforcement is not involved. If you do see them in travel do not approach” link

December 9, 2024

• Family released a petition – The missing person’s flyer has never been updated since March 31, 2023

January 3, 2025

Sara’s Sister posted following on her Facebook Page:

• James Robinson aka bubba made his own admission on a video interview stating that he and a gentleman who he was friends with by the name of Tyrone Morman carried my sister out in an unconscious state by arms and legs to Tyrone’s vehicle.
• The vehicle was owned by a Shayla Richardson which is Tyrone fiance but they shared the vehicle for driving purposes for the household.
• Marion County on March 3rd 2024 listed Tyrone Morman as in a person of interest as the driver taking Sara away from the Reddick house
• Other than my sister’s shoes being inside of her own home with no sign of struggle

January 8, 2025

• Sara’s sister, Michelle, shared the following message: “I received this generic response from MCSO via email: ‘The flyer has been updated and disseminated to law enforcement, not the public. Our Public Information Office can provide you with a copy of the updated flyer if you would like.’”

January 9, 2025

• Michelle received an email from MCSO containing the updated flyer. Post   Flyer

2011

• July 29, 2011 Arrest in Hillsborough County for Petit Theft
• Sara was granted a Restraining order against Joseph Merlyn Maytorong

2017

• Eviction in Bradenton Florida Link
  

April 10, 2023:

• Joseph is dismissed from his managerial duties at Ocala Suites after it is discovered he was using a separate room as storage, which he had previously lived in. Link
  Joseph filed a police report against Sara’s sister, Michelle, after she initiated a custodianship lawsuit for Sara’s daughter (her niece) 

April 24, 2023::

• Joseph Merlyn Mayton breaks into the office of Ocala Suites using a spare key he had made.
• Shuts down the security systems and power.
• Re-keys the locks for room #119.

Eviction Process for Rooms 119 and 121:

• Eviction begins for rooms 119 and 121.

April 26, 2023

• Joseph filed a police report against Sara’s sister, Michelle, after she initiated a custodianship lawsuit for Sara’s daughter (her niece) 

July 25, 2023:

• The eviction process concludes.

Post-Eviction (July 2023):

• Joseph hires Skye Moving (based in Ocala, FL) to remove all property from room 121, including beds, mattresses, furniture, and TVs.
• No legal action is taken as the matter would fall under small claims court.

Forensics Investigation:

• Marion County does not conduct forensics on room 119.
• Michelle (Sara’s sister) independently examines rooms 119 and 121, finding room 119 alleges that it resembling a crime scene with handprints.
• The Ocala Police Department conducts forensics after Michelle’s inspection but deems the evidence contaminated due to her prior entry.

Relocation of Joseph Merlyn Mayton:

• Leaves Florida and relocates to various locations:
• Indianapolis, Indiana.
• New Albany, Indiana.
• Louisville, Kentucky, staying at another hotel.
• Was employed at the Hyundai dealership in Florence, Kentucky.

November 2023

• He was working at the Hyundai dealership in Florence, Kentucky.
  

December 2023

• Allegations SA on child Cora by daycare
• A custody attorney initiated legal action against Joseph Mayton due to non-payment.
  

March 29, 2023

• March 29,2023, Joseph Mayton was involved in a motor vehicle accident.
• (Evening): Joseph Merlyn Mayton is arrested for assault and battery on a 75-year-old male. During the incident, Joseph asked the officer to delete items from his phone. The officer reportedly responded that he was unsure if he could but stated that if it was possible, he would. Video
  

April 10, 2023:

• Joseph is dismissed from his managerial duties at Ocala Suites after it is discovered he was using a separate room as storage, which he had previously lived in. Link
  

April 24, 2023:

• Joseph Merlyn Mayton breaks into the office of Ocala Suites using a spare key he had made.
• Shuts down the security systems and power.
• Re-keys the locks for room #119.

Eviction Process for Rooms 119 and 121:

• Eviction begins for rooms 119 and 121.

April 26, 2023

• Joseph filed a police report against Sara’s sister, Michelle, after she initiated a custodianship lawsuit for Sara’s daughter (her niece) 

July 25, 2023:

• The eviction process concludes.

Post-Eviction (July 2023):

• Joseph hires Skye Moving (based in Ocala, FL) to remove all property from room 121, including beds, mattresses, furniture, and TVs.
• No legal action is taken as the matter would fall under small claims court.

Forensics Investigation:

• Marion County does not conduct forensics on room 119.
• Michelle (Sara’s sister) independently examines rooms 119 and 121, finding room 119 alleges that it resembling a crime scene with handprints.
• The Ocala Police Department conducts forensics after Michelle’s inspection but deems the evidence contaminated due to her prior entry.

Relocation of Joseph Merlyn Mayton:

• Leaves Florida and relocates to various locations:
• Indianapolis, Indiana.
• New Albany, Indiana.
• Louisville, Kentucky, staying at another hotel.
• Was employed at the Hyundai dealership in Florence, Kentucky.

December 2023

• Allegations SA on child Cora by daycare

July 2, 2024

• Filed Bankruptcy in Indiana with P.O Box in Louisville KY 40253

July 24, 2024

• Hired as a General Manager at the WoodSprings Suites Naples Property with start date July 29, 2024 – Hotel offered 60 days rent free Room 416 Offer Letter
  

October 1, 2024

• His Employment Terminated. Joseph Refused to vacate premises.
  

October 4 2024

• WoodSpring Hotel sent Eviction Note or Pay with stipulations pay rent or vacate premises by October 9, 2024 Notice to Pay or Vacate
  

October 9, 2024

• WoodSprings Hotel did not receive rent payment.
  

October 14, 2024

• WoodSpring Hotel initiated Eviction process for none payment.

December 2024

• Quincy Florida campground removal by sheriff

2025

• Currently located in Tallahassee Florida

December 2023, a 16-year-old girl disappeared from Lima, Ohio.

Thomas Ebersole met the teen through the online game, and they began exchanging messages on Discord as he planned to drive to Ohio and bring her back to Dunnellon, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Marion County.

Dec. 27, 2023,

• Ebersole sent a message to the teen, saying he was getting ready to leave, then a follow-up saying “856 miles to go…12 hours lol… almost out of Florida,”

December 2023,

• Thomas Ebersole drove from Florida to Ohio to pick up a 16-year-old girl he met online and brought her back to his home in Florida.

January 3, 2024,

• Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes Detective Henrik Osthed arrested 31-year-old Thomas Ebersole (W/M, DOB: 06/11/1992) for Traveling to Meet a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, Interfering with Child Custody, and Sheltering an Unmarried Minor. Link
  

January 3, 2024,

• Detective Osthed was contacted by a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) requesting assistance with locating a missing 16-year-old from Ohio. Investigators determined that the juvenile victim’s World of Warcraft (a “massively multiplayer online role-playing game”) account was utilized at 2390 SW Shorewood Drive, in Dunnellon, on the same day. Further investigation revealed that this was Thomas Ebersole’s home address, and his World of Warcraft account was also accessed at the location.
• Law enforcement made contact with Ebersole at his home, at which time he initially denied knowing the juvenile victim. Investigators observed hickeys on his neck, and Ebersole told them he and the teen had a “romantic relationship” and he planned to hide her at his home until they could get married
• However, he ultimately admitted that he had driven to Ohio to meet the victim and brought her back to his home. Ebersole also stated he was in a romantic relationship with the juvenile victim and was going to hide her in his home with plans for her to become his wife.
• Ebersole provided Detective Osthed with Discord (an internet-based communications application) messages that further outlined his plans to meet the victim in Ohio and engage in sexual activity despite knowing that he was committing a crime.
• Ebersole’s messages outlined his plans to meet the girl in Ohio and have sex with her, despite knowing that he was committing a crime, officials said.

Ebersole was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he remains without bond. Ebersole faces felony charges of traveling to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity and interfering with child custody, as well as a misdemeanor charge of sheltering an unmarried minor, according to jail records. He was being held on $6,000 bail.