Police search for missing Bradenton girl, mother arrested

16, the Bradenton Police Department was contacted by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office to assist in the search of Janiya Thomas, 11.

Bradenton police said they are searching for a missing 11-year-old girl who hasn’t been seen since 2014.

The 31-year-old mother, Keishanna Thomas, refused to tell police or a judge where Janiya was and is now being held on a contempt of court charge at the Manatte County jail.

Neighbors of the Villages of Cortez, which is a gated apartment complex, say they haven’t seen the little girl in weeks, even months. Police said a previous complaint showed that Thomas had five children, including Janiya. Authorities say they brought the mother before a judge, but she refused to answer questions when asked where her daughter was. Investigators are working to contact her family members in hopes of finding Janiya. “She’s the first person that’s missing”.

They’re looking for Janiya Thomas. James Curulla at 941-747-3011, ext.