Wendy Gessing's Phone Recovered By Crest Hill Police

CREST HILL, IL —Crest Hill Police Chief Ed Clark told Joliet Patch Wednesday that a $2,000 cash reward is now being offered for information that leads police to find Wendy Gessing. The 50-year-old Crest Hill resident disappeared June 12.

Clark said that investigators were busy Wednesday circulating reward fliers in the Crest Hill and Joliet areas as well as rechecking locations where Gessing may have been seen.

One of Gessing's vehicles was recovered June 17 in the 400 block of Buell Avenue in Joliet.

On June 16, the day before, several people believe they saw Gessing frequenting the Motel 6 in Joliet at McDonough Street and Larkin Avenue, according to police.

During Wednesday's interview with Patch, Crest Hill's police chief revealed that investigators at his department have recovered Gessing's cell phone in recent days.

"We physically have her phone," Clark said.

Someone found her phone in Romeoville in the area of Taylor Road, according to the chief. Crest Hill police are now in the process of having the phone analyzed to learn more about Gessing's whereabouts and trying to bring the two-week-long mystery to an end.

Crest Hill police do not believe Gessing has been the victim of a violent crime.

"We have no information that would indicate foul play, but we are still investigating this feverishly," Clark told Patch during an interview at the police station. "I'm hoping that we find her. The investigators are out canvassing areas and handing out fliers. We just want to make sure she's safe and OK."

Several of her neighbors on Hosmer Street described Gessing as a friendly and pleasant person.

Gessing has worked for several years in Crest Hill at the Pizzas By Marchelloni, which is located in the strip mall at the corner of North Raynor Avenue and Theodore Street.

Crest Hill's chief said that Gessing's long-time "significant other" has been helpful.

Clark said that people with information are urged to call Crest Hill Police Investigator Conor Sweeney at 815-741-5111.