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The 1999 Pelham High School graduate dropped out of contact approximately 50 days ago on Jan. 25 while on a motorcycling trip across Latin America leading up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which is scheduled for June. His last known location was a gas station in the region of Michoacan.
News stories from Mexican media outlets have cropped up in recent weeks linking Devert's disappearance to cartel activity. The reports suggest he may have been mistaken for a DEA agent and kidnapped by members of the Los Guerreros, who are affiliated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Family spokeswoman Jackie Burrell said the lead was of particular interest to the family, but that they are continuing to investigate all leads at this time.
According to Burrell, the family's investigation has encountered numerous roadblocks when dealing with Mexican police.
Ann Devert posted an update on the search group's Facebook page on Sunday. She wrote about recently listening in to a conference held at the US Embassy in Mexico City at which the Vice Consul of the French Embassy, the Director of American Citizen Services at the American Embassy, the FBI point person and a private investigator were present.
"Every single person at Thursday's and Friday's meetings agreed that it is critical to get the Procuraduría General de la República of Mexico committed to Harry's case. This is the equivalent of the United States Attorney General's office. The Procuraduría has vital contacts which, if mobilized, will enable the investigation to take a quantum leap forward," she wrote.
According to Devert, while Mexican authorities are aware of Harry, his case is one of many in a huge case load.
@suzannesamin
ssamin@dailyvoice.com
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