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Gabbiee's Mom: I'm believing this will turn out well
Posted: 11.02.2012 at 9:49 PM
Rob Starkey

Rob Starkey joined WACH Fox in 2008. During his years at WACH Fox, Rob has worn many hats in the newsroom including reporter, director, and sports anchor.

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"It's a rescue effort until I know something different, until Gabbiee's mom knows something different this is a rescue we're still out there looking for her to rescue and bring her home," said Sheriff Leon Lott.   / Rob Starkey
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COLUMBIA (WACH) --  For nearly three months, the Richland County Sheriff's Department has been searching for Gabbiee Swainson.

The 15-year-old was last seen on August 18. Since then, it's been all hands on deck to bring the missing teenager home.

"It's a rescue effort until I know something different, until Gabbiee's mom knows something different this is a rescue we're still out there looking for her to rescue and bring her home," said Sheriff Leon Lott.

The man accused of kidnapping Gabbiee from her home, Freddie Grant, sits in jail on federal weapon charges. Sheriff Lott says his department is building a good case against him. Lott says forensic results put Swainson's and Grant's DNA together on a roll of duck tape that deputies found in Grants home.

"Scientists tell me it's not a situation where one had been there some time and then another was put on it. They were both put there at the same time," added Lott.

Gabbiee's mother, Elvia Swainson, is hoping for answers.

"It's hard to be in my home this long, day after day wondering where is my child, how is she doing out there, if someone is taking care of her," said Swainson .

Swainson is doing everything possible to bring her child home.

The teenager's mother even reached out to the man accused of taking her daughter.

"I have written letters and I am still waiting to get a response of whether or not I can come and talk to him and have a face-to-face, of whether or not I get some answers", added Swainson.

However, with non-stop search efforts and strong support from the community, Swainson believes she will be reunited with her daughter again.

"I have not given up. I'm not going to give up. I'm believing to the very end that this is going to turn out well," said Swainson.

Sunday, Lott is asking the community to come out to the Village of Sandhill for a Night of Hope.  It's an opportunity to show support for the Swainson family as the search continues, Lott adds you can also get your  child fingerprinted and photographed.

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