Thomas, circa 1980

Cherita Janice Thomas
Missing since August 4, 1980 from Ausable Township, Iosco County, Michigan.
Classification: Endangered Missing

Vital Statistics

• Age at Time of Disappearance: 20 years old
• Distinguishing Characteristics: Black female. Black hair; brown eyes.

Circumstances of Disappearance
On August 4, 1980, Cherita Thomas disappeared in Ausable Township. She was last seen on a stretch of road. Thomas was a black woman and young mother living in a mostly white, conservative town. She was on her way to pick up her baby daughter from the sitter when she vanished, barely a mile from the police station.
At the time of her disappearance, Thomas was driving a borrowed brown AMC Matador.
The vehicle reportedly stalled at the intersection of US-23 and River Road, and three area youths assisted Thomas in getting it started and she continued on her way. The vehicle apparently stalled again on Sunset Street in Ausable Township, less than two blocks from the sitter's home.
Several witnesses reported seeing a blue pickup parked grill-to-grill with the disabled Matador about 11:15 p.m.. One said she saw Thomas get into the truck, which drove off in the direction of Old US-23. Thomas was never seen again.
Foul play is suspected.

Investigators
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:

Oscoda Township Police Department
Det/Sgt. Allan MacGregor
517-739-9113
or
FBI
Agent David Marthaler
989-892-6525

NCIC Number: N/A
Please refer to this number when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:
ABC News
Centre Daily
Iosco County News-Herald