Local

Deputies search for missing Fleming Island woman; person of interest named

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — 11/19/2019 UPDATE: Local contractor Corey Binderim has been named as a person of interest in the disappearance of a Fleming Island woman who has been missing for over a month.

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Susan Mauldin's home sits empty -- her car is still parked in the garage, Halloween decorations are still up and tape on her front door shows police have been in the home more than once.

Susan Maulding was first reported missing from her home one week before Halloween.

Now, nearly a month later, two pumpkins and red evidence tape on her front door are the only signs that a crime may have happened here.

Rick Morrot has lived in the Harbor Island community for nearly twenty years.

"My main hope is that they find her," Morrot said.

He says it's normally a quiet neighborhood.

"You think you live in a quiet neighborhood then something like this happens," Morrot said.

The Sheriff's Office said Mauldin paid Binderim to remodel her bathroom.

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But their business relationship ended when she asked him for her money back after he didn't finish the job.

"It's surprising that someone could be doing work for you and then you both go missing," Morrot said.

Action News Jax Investigates checked state records and found Binderim is not licensed as a contractor in Florida.

We also found he served 10 years probation for aggravated battery with a firearm in 1992.

The Sheriff's Office said he became a person of interest after he stopped answering questions and left the area.

"That just tells me somebody did something they weren't supposed to -- or want something she had and she got away, but you're not safe anywhere anymore. You have to always be looking over your shoulder, checking people out. It's the only way," Morrot said.

Mauldin's neighbor Nathaniel Nelson tells Action News Jax, "We miss her face in her yard, that smiling face saying hi to you."

Nelson is used to seeing Mauldin several times a week, but he hasn't seen or heard from her in weeks.

"Anytime I saw her, she would be working in the yard, pulling weeds out of her yard or doing something in a flower bed," Nelson said.

Action News Jax reporter Dani Bozzini knocked on Binderim's door in Fleming Island, but no one answered.

Bozzini did speak to several neighbors who said they saw about six or so cop cars at his home a little over a week ago.

Neighbors said deputies were going inside the garage and throughout the house for about four hours.

Neighbors of Mauldin's said they just want to know what happened.

"Hoping just for answers, but praying that, you know, she's still alive. That's all we can do."

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Mauldin or Binderim call the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Clay County Sheriff's Office needs the public's help in locating a missing woman.

Susan Mauldin was last seen on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and is missing from the Eagle Harbor area in Fleming Island.

If you have seen her, please call CCSO at 904-264-6512.

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