Last Updated: May 21, 11:14 a.m.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is offering rewards of between $2,500 and $7,500 for information leading to the location of a man missing under suspicious circumstances since early May.
George Contos, a 58-year-old Bunnell resident, disappeared from his Mondex home around that day. His disappearance was at first considered non-suspicious, but after his car was found near Palm Coast Parkway, the sheriff’s office declared the disappearance suspicious. Santos was initially believed to have been seen last on May 7, but the sheriff’f office later updated that to May 9, when Santos was seen in Palm Coast’s F Section.
On Thursday, the sheriff’s office said detectives created a missing person flyer and are beginning to distribute them throughout the community as they seek to broaden awareness of Santos’s disappearance.
The sheriff’s office’s latest release states: “You could be eligible for a $2,500 reward for any information that may lead to locating this person. Additionally, you could be eligible for up to a $7,500 dollar reward for any information that leads to an arrest or conviction if foul play is involved.”
The previous story is below.
May 21–Flagler Sheriff’s detectives are seeking the public’s help in locating George Contos, a 58-year-old Bunnell resident who went missing on May 7. Initially, the sheriff’s office considered the disappearance non-suspicious. That changed Wednesday night. Contos’s disappearance, and the recovery of his vehicle, as well as the length of time since he had contact with his family, have combined to turn the case into a potentially criminal investigation. (Note: The sheriff’s office incorrectly referred to Contos as Cantos in its news release, the spelling used in an earlier version of this story.)
Contos’s family lives in Connecticut. According to a sheriff’s spokesman, Contos was in the habit of “religiously” being in contact with his family. That stopped on May 7.
Not hearing from him since, his son Aaron Thayer requested that the sheriff’s office conduct a welfare check at Contos’s home in the Mondex, or Daytona North, on May 17, the spokesman said. Contos lives at 5853 Apricot Lane in Daytona North.
Deputies entered the house through an unlocked front window but Contos wasn’t there. “Entry was then made through the side garage
door with help with the Flagler County Fire department where nothing appeared out of place or unusual,” an incident report released Thursday morning states. “The garage was then secured and contact was made with Aaron who advised his father was
supposed to leave for a friend’s House in South Carolina but had not arrived yet.”
The family reported him missing through the Plymouth, Conn., police on May 17.
Family arrived in the county Wednesday and sheriff’s detectives took over the investigation.
The sheriff’s office on Wednesday had reported in a release that Contos, also known as, “Uncle Waldo,” drives a 1997, four door, white Lincoln Town Car with Florida license plates. But the car was subsequently discovered. “I can’t tell you where it was recovered because it is part of the investigation,” the spokesman said.
The News-Journal’s Tony Holt reports this morning that the car was discovered off Palm Coast Parkway, east of Pine Lakes Parkway.
Contos is described as a white male, 5’11” tall and 240 pounds. He is a diabetic. His left leg is amputated but he has a prosthetic replacement. He was known to have worked out of his home.
Local Hospitals were contacted but had no patients matching that where admitted or released, the incident report states.
Last week the Sheriff’s Office alerted public and media over another man who’d gone missing on the same day–May 7. That man was located the day after the search was announced, in Jacksonville, where he had one to stay with a relative. In Contos’s case, the Sheriff’s Office has not yet clarified whether he was living alone, or who had reported him missing.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of George Contos is asked to call Detective Erik Kuleski at 386-586-4839, or after hours at 386-313-4311. Callers can also or remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).
Kathy says
Sorry for the pun, but the title for this article should be…” Where’s Waldo ” !!!
Kayla says
Someone already posted a picture on Facebook of where the car was located in Palm Coast. Helicopters were in the area looking for Mr. Cantos shortly after this discovery.
NortonSmitty says
I bought a Shovelhead basket case from him a few years ago with a faked bill of sale and a photo-copied title. He was an entertaining individual, but this story does not surprise me.
theevoice says
hope he is found okiedokie
Rowdy Yates says
I know of a couple of “entertaining” car dealerships in Daytona.
NortonSmitty says
All you need to know about the man is the only entity who is willing to put up money to find out just what happened to him is a government agency.
a friend says
George is a good friend of mine..I’ve known him for 30 years..I hope they find him..
TLD says
why isn’t there more being done? seems like they stopped looking. the people involved with this are getting away. something more needs to be done.
A friend says
I agree..no updates have been given since mid May..have they just moved on? Why isn’t more being done?
Ernie III says
I’ve known George for 40 years. I cannot believe he is disappeared! I only hope any person(s) that contributed to his circumstances are held accountable and soon. George is known to be Loving Father and great friend. His unfortunate accident cost him his leg as he was run over by a drunk while sitting on his Harley. If trying to deal with the pressures of that and the fight for benefits he became involved with scumbags that brought this about, they should be aware they made a horrible descision which will not go forgotten.
Ernie III says
I agree
John Smith says
Long time Family friend >> Is there Anymore updates ?
Anonymous says
There has been no updates to my knowledge regarding George ( our cousin) Have their been any new leads or developments in this worrisome event.
phil says
Hope you’re well old friend.
Sandi says
George lived on Anastasia Drive on and off for many years. He had many friends and was always kind and helpful to his neighbors. I pray they will find him and soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Has anyone looked into his home here for any clues? And you are right, why isn’t any thing else being done or any updates?
The people who are posting nasty comments on here should be ashamed of themselves. You do not know the man or his circumstances.
Donna Burnell says
It has been a year since we last heard from you. I am and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Friend says
George I still think of you often.. wish there were answers..
Kim says
George , we love you and always in our thoughts & prayers. .. our Bestfriend “Brother” always & forever ! Please come home to us ! Miss you so very much !
Ernie Canelli III says
Hard to believe nothing is known about this case. Somebody needs to be brought to justice and the circumstances brought to light. Every holiday is a day missing my friend! Many triggers bring back the times we shared all stolen for some idiotic reason. Man this sucks!
Aaron says
My dads case is not finished. The flagler county sheriffs office are still working this case. I am positive the guilty people will pay for their crimes one way or another.
Ernie Canelli III says
Many are waiting for a resolution to George’s case. He was a great friend and did not deserve this end. I hope those are named and prosecuted soon. Every day is a ‘trigger’ with some wonderful shared time with my friend George.
Doug Willis says
First met George in 1967 in CT. He was counted among my best friends growing up. Knew his family well. Lost touch in 1984 after moving to VA. I am sick about this situation.
George – I think about you often and pray for closure.
steven says
Hello Aaron I don’t know you or your father I seen his case on tv it touched my hart I’m praying for you and your father George.. God bless
Cindy says
My aunt Loretta dated George for 10 years. He was a great guy. I hope they find him and bring closure to his family and friends. We love you George!
Sam says
I hope there be updates soon it’s very sad hope he is found
Kimberly Moynihan says
George is out there somewhere in Florida and his family and us friends need him to come home . I’ve had so many dreams and I’m hoping someone can help us bring our best friend George Contos home . Please help it’s been almost 6 years and no answers . Please help. Love & prayers always kim , Mark , Dylan & Dalton Moynihan from Wallingford, CT
Jake says
Just watched cold case….pretty obvious who did it…why no arrests…?
Ernie Canelli III says
That’s the ‘BIG’ question? Even DNA proves who is lying and that they are directly involved. WHY NO ARRESTS?