THE ASSOCIATED PRESS – JACKSON (AP) – Authorities are hoping a $20,000 reward will bring in the tip they need to locate a missing Camden toddler, who disappeared March 1.

At a news conference Monday, the Clarion-Ledger reports FBI Special Agent in Charge Daniel McMullen said the money might encourage someone who knows the whereabouts of Myra Lewis to come forward.

Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker says they’re still conducting the investigation with the belief that the 2-year-old is alive. McMullen says the FBI is also keeping a

positive outlook.

Tucker says his office is investigating numerous leads in the search for a 2-year-old girl missing for more than a week.

Tucker told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Sunday afternoon that there is no sign of the child yet but his staff, working with the FBI and other agencies, is following leads as they develop.

The search for Myra began on Saturday afternoon, March 1, after she went missing from her home in rural Camden.

McMullen asked that anyone who might have information leading to the child’s location contact the FBI at (601) 948-5000, or the Madison County Sheriff’s Department at (601) 859-2345.

Tucker said the arrest of the girl’s mother, 35-year-old Ericka Lewis, on Friday on a probation violation was not connected to the disappearance. He said she faced a warrant for a probation violation following a welfare fraud conviction. She also faced a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Online booking records indicated no bond had been set and there was no information available on whether she had an attorney.

“Nothing whatsoever,” Tucker said when asked if the charges had anything to do with Myra’s disappearance.

“At this point we’re starting to develop a lot of leads through the community that we’re following up on one by one,” Tucker said. “It’s a lot of footwork.”

The FBI began helping with the case early in the week. Tucker said the agency has provided manpower and equipment. “They have been really fantastic,” he said.