After a 25-year search, a woman from California found her long-lost brother in a USA TODAY story. However, it was revealed that the brother, Thomas Manizak, was a registered sex offender who had vanished in 1999. The captain of the Lassen County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Manizak was convicted of abusing a child in 1993 and had spent time in prison for the offense. Despite being nonverbal and unable to walk, authorities were able to identify him through his sister’s positive identification.
Manizak disappeared in 1999 while traveling across the country in his van. He had a history of picking up hitchhikers and camping, but had not taken regular insulin for his diabetes while missing. Missing persons bulletins showed he was last seen at the age of 28. His sister, Marcella Nasseri, started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his transfer to a facility closer to her home, as well as for basic necessities like clothing, paper, and a listening device.
Despite the challenges and heartache caused by her brother’s actions and disappearance, Nasseri expressed her unconditional love and desire to support him. She plans to visit him as soon as she is able to leave her home to take care of animals. Nasseri’s dedication to her brother has garnered support from donors who have contributed more than $11,500 to help reunite the siblings and provide Manizak with comfort in his current situation.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com