Marines cooperating in search for pregnant Marine

CAMP LEJEUNE (AP) — The Marine Corps said it is cooperating fully with the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office in the disappearance of a pregnant Marine.

Officials at Camp Lejeune said Wednesday that they are hopeful for the safe return of 20-year-old Lance Corporal Maria Lauterbach.

Authorities said Lauterbach disappeared before Christmas and that her cell phone was found December 20 near the main gate at Camp Lejeune. She is about eight months pregnant.

The Montgomery, Ohio native is with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group of the II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Camp Lejeune officials said Lauterbach joined the Marine Corps in June 2006 and was trained as a personnel clerk.

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