PALM HARBOR – Pinellas County Sheriff’s Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance with any information on the whereabouts of a Raymond Scott Rupp, 45, who was last seen about the middle of August.
A witness told detectives that Rupp was last seen in August, when he reportedly left his apartment at Harbor Club Downs Condominiums, 455 Alt. 19 N., to take a computer to be repaired.
Deputies responded to Rupp’s apartment on Aug. 21, when the management reported a foul odor coming from the residence. Deputies discovered a deceased female, yellow Labrador dog. Animal Control was called to conduct an abandonment / neglect-abuse investigation. Deputies attempted to contact Rupp without success. Deputies found no evidence to suggest the dog was a service dog. It is unknown if the dog belonged to Rupp.
On Sept. 16, the condo complex management advised deputies that Rupp had not returned to his apartment.
On Sept. 28, two checkbooks with Rupp’s name on the checks were found in a transient camp in a wooded area near Nebraska Avenue and U.S. 19. A Sheriff’s K-9 team discovered the checks while tracking in the woods on an unrelated case.
Detectives say there is evidence that someone – not Rupp – tried to cash checks on Rupp’s account after he was last seen.
During the course of this investigation, detectives have been checking with Rupp’s associates and former roommates, and are now seeking the public’s assistance for any information about Rupp prior to or after his apparent disappearance.
Rupp is a white male, 5 foot 10 inches tall. He weighs about 120 pounds. He has graying brown hair and blue eyes. Slight facial hair, possibly a goatee. Detectives said Rupp does not own a car and does not drive due to a vision impairment.
Citizens can contact Pinellas County Sheriff’s Crimes Against Persons Cpl. Ed Judy, at 582-6200, or to remain anonymous, can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.
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