Missing New Jersey girl Dulce Maria Alavez mentioned in the Epstein Files

​The name Jeffrey Epstein has (unfortunately) become a household name. Not a day goes by that we don't hear about the disturbing allegations against the late financier and convicted sex offender detailed in the so-called Epstein Files.

The 66-year-old died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in Florida and New York, according to reports. His death was ruled a suicide.

Fast forward to 2026, in the latest 3.5 million documents recently released by the Department of Justice, one name appears multiple times. According to the Press of Atlantic City, missing child Dulce Maria Alavez is mentioned six times in the files.

Dulce Maria Alavez was just 5 years old when she disappeared on September 16, 2019. She was playing with her younger brother in Bridgeton City Park in New Jersey, while their mother was about 30 yards away sitting in her car, reportedly helping her younger sister with homework. Despite an extensive search and widespread media coverage, Dulce’s whereabouts are unknown.

Although Dulce's name is mentioned in the Epstein files, it's important to clarify that her disappearance doesn't appear to be directly linked to the infamous federal trafficking case. According to the Press of Atlantic City, Dulce, is mentioned as part of a daily FBI morning news briefing that highlights newsworthy events of the day.

While no connection has been made between the two cases, this is an opportunity to highlight Dulce's case again and remind people that she's still missing. I've spoken with her mother and grandmother over the years, and they continue to ask for  the public's help to bring Dulce home.

​In 2021, FBI Special Agent Daniel Garrabrant told me it's very possible that Dulce's disappearance was a crime of opportunity. But local investigators haven't ruled anyone out. They also haven't named a suspect but did release a sketch of a light-skinned Hispanic male whom they referred to as a potential witness. Most recently, investigators are also using AI technology to re-examine case files and to identify potential connections they may've missed. 

Both, Dulce's family and authorities, continue to turn to their most powerful tool: the public to help bring the now 11-year-old home. 

Anyone with information about Dulce Maria's whereabouts is asked to call the Bridgeton Police Department at 856-451-0033 or 856-207-2732 for Spanish speakers. You can also contact 1-800-CALL-FBI. There's a $75,000 reward available for information that leads to an arrest.