Podcast Summary: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: MISSING: MARGARET HANLEY NAVY VET AND GRANDMOTHER, FAMILY SUSPECTS SCAM

Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Guests:

• Jomo Thompson (Margaret Hanley’s son)
• Sergeant Josh Sterner (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department)
• Dave Mack (Crime Stories investigative reporter)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Nancy Grace investigates the baffling and distressing case of Margaret Hanley, a 72-year-old Navy veteran, mother, and grandmother, who went missing under suspicious circumstances. The family suspects she may be a victim of a scam, with unexplained cash withdrawals and behavioral anomalies marking her disappearance. Through interviews with her son, law enforcement, and crime reporters, the episode works to untangle her movements, uncover clues, and rally public support to aid in her search.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Timeline & Circumstances of Disappearance

• Last Contact:

  • Margaret last spoke with family on February 8th, 2026 ([02:13], Jomo).
  • Discrepancy: Possibly seen at home on February 9th.
  • Last spotted by police after a 4am traffic stop on February 8th in Jacksonville, Georgia ([03:25], Jomo).
  • Seen in Gainesville and Hinesville, Georgia, which is out of her ordinary routine ([03:57], Jomo).

• Uncharacteristic Behavior:

  • Margaret typically stayed within her neighborhood, visited only Walmart, watched soap operas, and spoke with family ([04:25], Nancy).
  • Sudden deviation from her well-established routine is “very strange to us” ([03:57], Jomo).

2. Family’s Immediate Response

• Son’s Actions:

  • Jomo Thompson is alerted by Margaret’s brother after days of no contact ([02:13], Jomo).
  • Family checks in with her regular visitors and calls the police ([02:13], Jomo).

• Bank Account Red Flags:

  • Multiple $200 ATM transactions and a $500 Walgreens withdrawal on the day of her disappearance ([07:00], Jomo).
  • Noted unusual activity starting about a month before disappearance ([07:00], Jomo).
  • Large, uncashed checks for $10,000 and $12,000 written to an elderly man in Texas ([09:56], Dave).

3. Investigative Developments

• Law Enforcement Activities:
  • Sergeant Josh Sterner is actively searching up and down I-95, tracing ATM withdrawals and following up leads ([07:47], Nancy; [09:25], Sgt. Sterner).
  • Collaborating with the bank fraud division and Georgia Bureau of Investigation ([09:25], Sgt. Sterner).
  • Confirmed Margaret has been traveling alone at every sighting, including getting gas in Bradford County, Florida and passing through Patterson, Georgia ([12:07], Sgt. Sterner).
  • The checks were never cashed; the recipient in Texas was unaware and cleared ([11:11], Sgt. Sterner).

4. The Scam Suspicion

• Possible Duress and Scam:

  • Family and investigators suspect Margaret was being manipulated, possibly under duress, to withdraw cash and write checks ([05:33], Jomo; [13:30], Jomo).
  • Nancy Grace hypothesizes the scammer switched from checks to cash withdrawals after realizing the risks ([11:38], Nancy).

• Margaret’s Mental State:

  • Suffering some short-term memory loss, may have made her more susceptible ([14:21], Nancy).
  • No signs she wanted to leave or had reason to vanish willingly.

5. Appeal for Public Help

• Family’s Desperation:

  • Jomo and Nancy emphasize the family is not sleeping or eating out of concern ([06:22], Nancy; [13:30], Jomo).
  • Their only wish is for Margaret’s safe return, regardless of financial losses ([13:30], Jomo).

• Description and Tipline:

  • Missing: Margaret Hanley, 72, silver 2001 Toyota RAV4, license plate ESM F23 ([07:47], Nancy).
  • Tipline: 904-630-0500 ([07:47], Nancy; [15:42], Nancy).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Family’s Distress & Relentless Hope

  • “We just want to get her home. And that's our primary concern.” – Jomo Thompson ([13:30])
  • “The family not eating, the family not sleeping. They want their mother home.” – Nancy Grace ([06:22])

• Questioning Anomalous Behavior

  • “Why was your mom out at 4am? Curious.” – Nancy Grace ([03:54])
  • “That was the last sighting of her as far as being in her home...this behavior is bizarre, which kind of leads me to believe that maybe she was being scammed. She was under duress.” – Jomo Thompson ([05:33])

• On the Evidence of a Scam

  • “The family has found two large check receipts, one for $10,000 and another for $12,000...This is a very, very frugal woman who does not waste money.” – Dave Mack ([09:56])
  • “It was written to an actually an older gentleman in Texas...he had no idea where the checks came from and they actually took possession of one of the checks that he still had.” – Sgt. Josh Sterner ([11:11])

• Call to Action

  • “She could be on the side of the road, she could be crashed, she could be carjacked. Please look for Mrs. Margaret.” – Nancy Grace ([15:42])

Key Timestamps

• 01:05: Nancy Grace recounts Margaret’s background and the basic facts of the disappearance
• 02:13: Jomo Thompson shares how he learned his mother was missing
• 03:25: Details about Margaret’s last police interaction and her habits
• 07:00: Jomo explains alarming bank account withdrawals
• 07:47: Sgt. Sterner joins to discuss law enforcement’s search and investigation
• 09:56: Dave Mack adds evidence about large uncashed checks
• 11:11: Sgt. Sterner clarifies the checks and attempts to trace their purpose
• 12:07: Timeline confirmation and last known sightings
• 13:30: Jomo emphasizes the uncharacteristic nature of Margaret’s actions and the trauma for the family
• 14:21: Margaret’s short-term memory loss and the implications for the case
• 15:08: Sgt. Sterner explains search efforts and the importance of public awareness
• 15:42: Nancy Grace repeats the tipline and call for help

Final Message & Tone

The episode is marked by urgency, compassion for Margaret’s family, and determination to both solve the case and prevent further harm to vulnerable seniors. Nancy Grace channels the family’s desperation and devotes significant airtime to actionable details and appeals for audience vigilance.

Help Find Margaret Hanley

If you have any information about Margaret Hanley or her silver 2001 Toyota RAV4 (ESM F23), please call 904-630-0500 immediately.

Tone: Concerned, urgent, empathic, with a focus on public engagement and family advocacy.