Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 1, 2018 4:45 p.m.
Nassau County Florida Sheriff Bill Leeper held a press briefing on June 1, 2018 to update media on the disappearance of Nassau County resident Joleen Cummings, who was last seen at Tangles Hair Salon on May 12, 2018.
Leeper reported that his office has uncovered a lot of evidence and information about the person of interest in this case, a woman who has been known under 18 different names, in 33 cities and 14 states since 1996. She has most recently assumed the alias of Jennifer Marie Sybert.
Leeper said this is a very strange case, probably unique in the annals of Nassau County crime. It is unknown at this time if Sybert, whose given name is Kimberly Kessler, has been involved in any other disappearances. Leeper said, “We are not ready to release additional information because it could jeopardize our case. But when we do, the community will be shocked.”
Authorities are actively pursuing tips to solve the case and find Cummings’ body. More than 40 areas in Nassau County have been examined prompted by tips, but none yielded results. Leeper said that many residents have expressed a willingness to help in the search, but at this time there is no need for their services.
Leeper thanked the media for helping to get the word out to the community, asking that they continue to do so. He asked specifically for information regarding any storage unit that Sybert/Kessler may have rented in Nassau, Duval or St. Johns Counties. He also asked for information on any other cars that Sybert/Kessler may have owned.
Leeper continued to ask for help from the public. “If anyone has seen or had any contact with Kessler, also known as Jennifer Sybert, or her vehicle, or has information that would help us in our investigation to please contact the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office at 904-548-4005 or call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS or 8477.”
Wylie Hodges, representing First Coast Crime Solvers, announced that the reward has been raised to $4,000 for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for Joleen Cummings’ disappearance and presumed death. He stressed that the anonymity of tipster would be preserved. He said that to date 23 tips have been pursued, but that none have panned out.
With barely contained emotion, Ann Johnson, the mother of Joleen Cummings, thanked the authorities and the media, as well as social media, for their diligence in providing information, pursuing leads and doing everything possible to find her daughter. She urged, “Please don’t give up,” adding that she has been praying without ceasing since her daughter disappeared.
She expressed deep appreciation to Sheriff Leeper and his staff for working around the clock to bring closure to this matter. She said that she has 100 percent confidence in his efforts.
Johnson said, “I believe good will triumph over evil.” She echoed Sheriff Leeper’s plea for anyone with information to come forward and call the investigators, so the family can come to closure on this tragedy.
Florida State Senator Bean added his voice to those making pleas for help on the case. He asked that people respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time and direct any calls to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.
After 20 minutes, Leeper ended the media briefing and asked those assembled and the viewing audience to keep Joleen Cummings in their prayers.
There were no questions taken following the briefing.
Below is a list of all the known aliases of Kessler/Sybert:
- Kimberly L Kessler
- Christina Melissa Brook (also spelled middle name Malissa)
- Christina Young
- Pamela Kleiber
- Melissa Mc Kernan
- Melissa Losy
- Jennifer Marie Sybert
- Mia Stone
- Jenn Lee Sybert Allen
- Jennifer Seibring
- Jennifer Marie Allen
- Marie Sybert Stone
- Christa Brooks
- Pam Cleaver
- Pamela Kleiver
- Pamela Jean Kleiber
- Jenn Siever Allen
- Jennifer Seibring
Places Kimberly Kessler has lived:
Butler, PA Boca Raton, FL
Phoenix, AZ Mission, Kansas
Virginia Beach, VA Overland Park, KS
Portsmouth, VA Nashville, TN
Wilmington, NC Leesburg, FL
Tampa, FL Jacksonville, FL
Tallahassee FL Leesburg, FL
Arden, NC Lakeland, FL
Baytown, Texas Dublin, OH
Rochester, MN St. Louis, MO
Smithfield, NC Minneapolis, MN
St Augustine, FL Asheville, NC
Fernandina Beach, FL Vermont
Clearwater Beach, FL Arden, NC
St. Petersburg, FL Waco, TX
Little Rock, AR Aurora, CO
Oviedo, FL Pittsburgh, PA
Previous Fernandina Observer articles:
https://fernandinaobserver.com/uncategorized/nassau-county-sheriff-announces-new-suspect-in-cummings-disapperance/
https://fernandinaobserver.com/uncategorized/nassau-county-sheriffs-office-investigation-a-missing-and-endangered-person/
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.