$100,000 reward for information regarding Rachel Cooke disappearance

There is new momentum in the Rachel Cooke case.

The Williamson County Sheriff has announced a $100,000 reward for information about her 2002 disappearance. He also announced that the FBI is back on the investigation.

"My daughter is missing and I want her home," said Janet Cooke.

For 15 years, Janet Cooke has made that plea. Desperately seeking information into her daughter Rachel’s disappearance. In January of 2002, the 19-year-old went for a run near her family's home in the North Lake subdivision north of Georgetown. She didn't return.

Thursday Sheriff Robert Chody offered new hope along Rachel's jogging route.

"The FBI has approached the sheriff's office and has offered a $50,000 reward for information that will lead to the known whereabouts of Rachel Cooke,” said Chody.

The $50,000 will be added to the existing $50,000 the Cooke family has offered bringing the total reward to $100,000. "We truly believe that someone out there has information about this Rachel. If you do, we ask that you not be afraid. We urge you to come forward,” said Chody.

While Chody spoke, FBI investigators combed the area with metal detectors as part of a renewed partnership.

"We believe that with the technological advances that have occurred in the past 15 years, along with the very thorough scrub that has been done on the original case file there is a good chance we can solve this,” said FBI Austin Special Agent In Charge John Scata.

Rachel's father died without ever knowing what happened. But there is still time for someone to bring peace to her mother and the rest of her family. "Her little sister and I deserve that. We have become victims as much as Rachel. It hasn't been easy, but I'm not giving up. As long as there is a breath in my body, I want my baby home,” said Cooke.

If you can help solve this case call 1-800-CALL-FBI.