Orange County authorities searched again Thursday for 24-year-old Tia Bonta, who's been missing since late last month.

  • Tia Bonta, last seen by her family July 31
  • Orange County Deputies looking for clues

For hours, detectives searched a wooded area near Hancock Lone Palm Road and East Colonial Drive.

Bonta’s son turned 1 on Tuesday.

"It's a very sad day for everybody because they're hoping she'd walk through the door at some point. But she's not here to celebrate his birthday," said Tom Anderson, Bonta's Great Uncle.

Bonta was seen late last month on the east side of Orlando, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.

The woman’s father, Kevin Bonta, reported her missing on Friday, Aug. 5. He told investigators that he hadn't seen his daughter since July 31, and that it was not normal for her to not contact someone for that length of time.

Bonta also noted that his daughter does not have mental or medical issues — and is not taking any medication.

Kevin Bonta told investigators that his daughter was last seen getting into an unknown car with someone at the Days Inn on 11639 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, according to the police report that accompanied the press release. 

The report did not explain how he came upon this information.

Investigators say they tracked down the driver and spoke with him. The person, only known as "JD," told investigators that he dropped off Tia Bonta at 2837 Cleburne Rd., Orlando, according to the police report.

Investigators say they went to the address they were provided and were not able to find her.

Authorities say they are still looking for James Dellofield (sometimes spelled Dellafield). They are calling him a person of interest and say he was last seen with Bonta on July 31 at the Days Inn.

"If she's safe and she can hear me, Tia please call home, call anybody," pleads Anderson. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 407-836-HELP (4357).