Missing Toms River Girl's Family: Send Her Home Or We Prosecute

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The family of a missing Toms River girl has issued an ultimatum in the search for the missing teen: Send her home.

Ashley Combs, 17, a student at Toms River High School North, has been missing since Friday, when she did not return home after school. A post by her uncle, Rob Nieratko, who is her custodial parent, was shared thousands of times over the weekend as he searched for her.

On Monday, the Nieratkos issued the ultimatum through attorney Jef Henninger of Tinton Falls, "to ensure that anyone who has their daughter is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Toms River police confirmed they were searching for her and investigating leads to her whereabouts but said her disappearance was not suspicious in nature. Rob Nieratko, in various social media comments, has said they believe she is with a friend, but so far have not been able to track her down.

"All indications are that she left home purposely and would not divulge her location to people she has had contact with," said Jillian Messina of the Toms River Police Department.

Henninger, in an update posted on his firm's Facebook page, responded to some of the questions that have been swirling on social media since the ultimatum was issued.

He said his law firm was hired to "help manage the media inquiries and to help the family navigate the criminal justice system if someone is ultimately prosecuted for their role in Ashley's disappearance.

The family does not know who has Ashley, he said, there are no pending matters in family court. The law firm's Facebook page highlights his work in child custody cases.

"I want to send a very clear message to the person or persons that may have Ashley. She is a minor and you have committed a very serious crime," Henninger wrote in the ultimatum posted Monday morning. "We are giving you 24 hours to drop her off at any police station. If that is done, the family will not focus on what you have done. They will just be happy that she is back home."

"However, if she is not returned by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, the family will not stop until she is found and she will be found. When that happens, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. You cannot even begin to comprehend the legal nightmare that you could be facing. I encourage you for Ashley's sake and your own family's sake to do the right thing before Tuesday morning," he wrote.

Henninger said the family is thanking the Toms River Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for their continued efforts in searching for Ashley. Rob Nieratko previously has said Ashley does not have a phone with her.

"The family would also like to thank the media outlets covering this story and everyone on social media for helping to get the word out. They believe that everyone working together will bring Ashley home safe and sound," Henninger wrote.

Anyone with credible information is encouraged to call the Toms River Police Department, 732-349-0150. As of now, the family believes that Ashley is still somewhere in New Jersey. Everyone in New Jersey is encouraged to share this story on social media.

Note: Updated with additional comment from attorney Jef Henninger.

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