The community of Nome, Alaska, has long struggled with unsolved disappearances and an overwhelming distrust in local law enforcement. Among these tragic cases are the unresolved disappearances of Florence Okpealuk in 2020 and Joseph Balderas in 2016, both of which have shaken our community and left families searching for answers.

Their disappearances are the subject of the true crime podcast Up and Vanished. Despite an overwhelming amount of circumstantial evidence and the long history of corruption in Nome's Law Enforcement, these cases remain neglected. Critical evidence and leads have not been fully pursued. The Nome Police Department has faced scrutiny in the past, most notably in the unsolved murder of Sonya Ivanoff, which highlighted systemic issues in handling missing persons and homicide cases.

We believe that the FBI’s resources, expertise, and impartiality are desperately needed to investigate these cases and to restore a sense of justice to our community. We call on the FBI to launch an independent investigation into the disappearances of Florence Okpealuk and Joseph Balderas.

Why This Petition Is Important:

 1. History of unresolved cases: Nome has a documented history of missing persons and unsolved crimes, including many involving Alaska Native women. There is a precedent for cases being mishandled or not prioritized by local authorities.

 2. Lack of transparency and trust: The local community has long felt that local law enforcement lacks the resources, training, and transparency needed to handle complex investigations. Many residents are fearful and feel unsafe, knowing these disappearances remain unsolved.

 3. Increased urgency for safety and justice: New information suggests foul play in these disappearances, but efforts to investigate have been slow-moving and inadequate. An independent and thorough investigation by the FBI would ensure that all possible leads are pursued, and accountability is upheld.

 4. FBI expertise: The FBI has the tools, resources, and investigative capacity to handle cases of this magnitude. With advanced forensic analysis, national databases, and a fresh, unbiased perspective, the FBI is better equipped to solve these cases and bring closure to grieving families.

 5. National attention is critical: By elevating these disappearances to a national level, we can bring much-needed attention to the injustices happening in our small town. The FBI’s involvement will show the nation that these cases matter, and it will hold those responsible accountable.