July 31, 2013: A news story about Bob Ehlert's disappearance will air on 9 News (NBC Affiliate) in Denver, Colorado, on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 9:00 and 10:00 PM (MT). We will provide a link to the broadcast after the story airs. 

August 1, 2013: The following news story, "Denver Woman Looks for Missing Dad in Panama," aired on 9 News in Denver, CO. Click the play button to watch it here.

Yvonne Baldelli, American from the San Diego area went missing in the Bocas del Toro area last year.

If Mr. Ehlert, ExPat did go to Bocas del Toro know Yvonne Baldelli from San Diego has been missing from that area since last year & that an American "Wild Bill", William Dathan Holbert is awaiting sentencing for murdering ExPats in the Bocas area & stealing their valuables & identity.  Ms. Baldelli's boy friend returned to the U.S. shortly after her disapperance & got married.

Prior missing Expat stories from the region around the Republic of Panama are more widespread than the authorities will confirm. Many crimes have been documented by Don Winner who writes for Panama-Guide.com. We hope to get additional media attention for crimes against Expats so those who travel or hope to relocate to this area are fully aware about the potential dangers they may confront. Thank you, Louis, for your post! Leads on all prior cases will be explored!

Mr. Ehlert's disappearance sounds very similar to the disappearance of a Canadian Ed Moynan last November in the beach community of Coronado, Panama. Information on Mr. Moynan's case can be found on the internet.

When I glanced at the photo of Ed Moynan, a bit of a chill went down my spine. He looks a lot like Bob Ehlert but the similarities in this missing person case don't end there. Both are retired, successful businessmen, living about 54 miles apart in Panama. On the last day they were seen, all online and phone activity stopped. Their homes were found unlocked with minimal signs of foul play. Both men and their cars simply vanished. In March of 2013, the Moynan family received confirmation from Panamanian police that Ed Moynan had been the victim of a homicide. Our hearts go out to the Moynan family on this tragic loss! The shocking similarities in these cases, only three months apart, raises an immediate red flag with me. A delay in engagement by the Panamanian police on Bob Ehlert's case is alarming and suggests that there is a level of incompetence or potential corruption that compromises Expat safety in the Republic of Panama.

Patty: The resemblance to Bob struck me as well. Given the other similarities, I think it is important that these stories be publicized together and in context. Could someone in Bob's family reach out to Ed Moynan's family? I'll be happy to help any way I can, but I think an actual family member might get a better result.

These were my thoughts, too, Jeff. Did they have any common friends or business associates down in Panama? Were there favorite bars or restaurants that they frequented? Was there any forensic evidence that could provide leads? Bob's daughter passed along the information to the team investigating Bob's case to pursue possible answers to these questions. 

Ref " Did they have any common friends or business associates down in Panama?" I doubt they knew each other with Mr. Ehlert living on the Atlantic side & Moynan living near Coronado -- in Gorgona if I remember correctly  unless they met at a ExPat socials in P.C.?

Is Mr. Ehlert's Panama condo in Colon or Panama City?

I can tell from Bob's photographs and stories that Panama City is a vibrant and cosmopolitan setting with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from his condo. He's developed many close friendships and ties to the community over the past several years, and enjoys all the social amenities that come with retirement. If I lived in Coronado, about an hour from Panama City, I'd probably make frequent visits to the city to sample new cuisine, attend a sporting event, go to the theatre, or just meet friends for a drink. Bob has been able to enjoy the best of both worlds because he can take a break from the fast-paced life of Panama City to drive about two hours to Colon, on the Atlantic Ocean, where his sailboat is docked at the marina. He's getting closer to his dream of sailing around the world so we are all hoping that he'll get the chance to check off this box on his bucket list! Whether Bob and Ed ever met is difficult to say, but they may have some friends or associates in common: a realtor, a broker, a travel agent. In our search, we don't want to leave any stone unturned! We miss you, Bob!  

Bob's daughter posted this photo on facebook so I thought I'd repost it here. It's a photo of handsome young cadet, Robert C. Ehlert, at St. Thomas Academy.

New fundraising page set up to help find and bring home my dad: http://www.gofundme.com/findbob and a twitter account to stay updated: @MariEhlert Thank you.

The FBI is continuing their investigation into Bob's disappearance, but they can only assist, not lead, local authorities in the Republic of Panama. Hiring a private investigator to follow up on some leads would help advance the local investigation. Bob's daughter, Mariah, is hoping that friends and family can help her fund this effort and she greatly appreciates the support!

The Post Review Article, "Searching for Clues..."

A Minnesota newspaper featured an article on Bob's disappearance. Follow the link to view this article by Derrick Knutson online. Mariah has raised close to $5,000 to date to help support a private investigator. The family is hopeful that this will help get answers to many of the questions surrounding Bob's disappearance.

Click here to view the Spanish TVN-2.com video news report, “Disapp...

Following is the English translation of the news report that aired in August. Glicia and Dino, two of the people interviewed in the video, are Bob's close friends in Panama.

Strange disappearances of wealthy, foreign retirees, aged 60-75 years old, living alone in Panama have become a great mystery.

Nobody asks for a ransom; their private cars cannot be located anywhere, there is no record of money transfers or transactions, and according to immigration, they are still residing in Panama and have not left the country.

One of the victims is the American Robert Ehlert who disappeared from his apartment in San Francisco [a Central Neighborhood in Panama City] two months ago.

Glicia: On June 21 we found a note saying that he was going to Bocas del Toro to check out some real estate with a girl called Diana, whom we do not know.

Another element common in these cases is that the authorities show little interest in finding these people.

Glicia: Authorities have had little to report, and investigations have been rather slow. We've been really worried because nobody seems to have any information on his whereabouts.

Relatives of Robert Ehlert think it’s not too late to still find him.

Dino: We are very worried about his disappearance and we hope police will start moving faster with the investigation so that we are lucky in finding our friend Robert.

Another victim was Canadian Ed Moynan who disappeared from his home in Coronado last year. This case had a fatal outcome.

Man: The criminal investigations department did not help resolve our case. Thanks to the wife and the private investigators we were able to find his car and eventually we found his body.

The whole title of the TVN-2.com news report translated in the last post is "Disappearances of Foreign Retirees Becomes More Prevalent in Panama." This report by Massiel Arosemena aired in August. We will reference this and other reports as we urge government officials to assist more fully in search efforts for Bob and other missing Americans in Central America.  

HI,

Just to clarify, while the woman is Bob's friend, we are still unsure as to who the man is. 

Vice President Biden will be visiting the Republic of Panama in September to discuss the canal expansion project with President Martinelli. We are asking everyone to send a message to Vice President Biden via his online contact form to encourage him to address the topic of missing Americans while he is there. Your note can only be 2,500 characters so plan accordingly. Here is a link to the contact form and a sample letter that you can cut-and-paste or personalize as desired. Make sure you add your name at the end! Thank you for your continued support in our ongoing effort to search for Bob Ehlert.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact-vp

Dear Vice President Biden: While visiting the Republic of Panama in September, please discuss the issue of missing Americans with authorities. I am writing to you on behalf of retired American citizen and Vietnam Veteran, Robert C. Ehlert (Bob), who has been missing since June 21, 2013, in Panama. Family and friends across the U.S. have been contacting their senate representatives to encourage increased efforts toward a missing person search for Bob. The FBI is now engaged to help Panamanian authorities with local search efforts but they can only work in a limited capacity with Panama police. Bob’s disappearance, without a trace, is similar to many cases that do not end well or become long forgotten cold cases. Please use your visit to help clear a path for the FBI to take the lead on this and future searches in that region for missing Americans. We are deeply concerned for Bob’s safety and for the safety of all Americans who visit or live in Central America under the false pretense that it is safe. Opening trade options through the canals also can enhance the opportunity for drug trafficking and other illegal activities. It’s important to take a tough-on-crime stand and express your desire to keep Americans safe. You can make a difference by streamlining search and engagement protocols for missing Americans, and also by publicizing issues on safety abroad more widely. Please take a stand on helping keep Americans safe while attempting to enhance our ability to compete in the global economy. 

Thanks patty!

"Denver resident continues to search for her father..." by James Dz...

This article, published in Boulder Weekly, provides a current and historical perspective on Panama, along with the Expat landscape for retirees like Bob Ehlert. It recaps how each of us can help by writing letters to Senate representatives and those on the Foreign Relations Committee to voice our concern for Bob's safety and the safety of all Americans in Panama.

Try this link to the Boulder Weekly article or cut-and-paste it into a new browser, if the one in the last post does not work.

"Denver resident continues to search for her father..." by James Dziezynski

http://www.boulderweekly.com/article-11601-denver-resident-continue...

Excellent article in the Denver paper. I sent a letter requesting help to VP Biden too. Hope it does some good.

Bob’s daughter, Mariah Ehlert, posted updates to her social networks this past week about the status of the investigation. She wanted to convey heartfelt thanks to everyone for sending messages to the Vice President and state Senators, and she added, “Our message is getting through! I’m so impressed at the power of the people on this day.” Mariah was contacted by the U.S. State Department ACS officer for Panama, William Hurst, who made inquiries on her behalf. The good news/bad news story is that Vice President Biden will not be putting Bob’s case on the agenda for his trip to Panama. This bad news, however, is tempered by the good news that Panama President Martinelli is aware of the case and has personally asked the DIJ to make it a priority. Mariah believes that the more attention the case gets, the more the wheels will squeak to keep authorities engaged in efforts to bring Bob home safely.

Mr. Hurst has let Mariah know that friends and family have helped do everything possible to get the government involved in the case in Panama. The Panamanian Police do not give updates on open cases until they are finished with the investigation. Since the President of Panama, Martinelli, has personally asked for updates from the police, we can be assured that they are making it a priority. Mr. Hurst explained a bit more about how the U.S. FBI and FBI counterpart, the U.S. Embassy Legal Attaché in Panama, work with local authorities to share all the resources at their disposal for investigations. At this time, Mr. Hurst let Mariah know that they have not uncovered any evidence of foul play.

An article on Bob's case, written by editor, Dan Shearer, appeared in Saturday's paper (9/14/13), the GREEN VALLEY NEWS & SUN. Madeline Ehlert, Bob's sister-in-law and resident of Green Valley, was interviewed to get details about the case. Lessons that we can all use are highlighted in this article:

From the Editor: A man goes missing in Panama 

Try this link, in case the last one doesn't work, or cut-and-paste it into your browser:

www.gvnews.com/opinion/columns/from-the-editor-a-man-goes-missing-i...

Just a note to let you know that the investigation in Panama is still progressing. Bob's daughter, Mariah Ehlert, posted a note that read, "Real life Private Investigators are vastly different than how they work on TV; and cases certainly don't all get solved in a neat little hour!" She is wading through over 100 pages of Panamanian Police reports on Bob's case. A Private Investigator on the ground in Panama has tried to do a deep dive into some of the leads that were dismissed or not fully examined by the local authorities. Although weeks have turned into months, the family remains hopeful that some leads will provide answers about Bob's disappearance.

It’s been almost 5 months since Bob Ehlert disappeared without a trace from his condo in Panama. Senator McCain’s office followed up on his case with the American Embassy in Panama on behalf of the family. The Embassy responded by saying that Bob’s case is still open and that they are working closely with the Panamanian authorities and the FBI on the investigation. A private investigator, hired by the family to augment the work by authorities, has not uncovered any new substantive leads on Bob’s disappearance. Please burn a candle for Bob at your Thanksgiving festivities as a gesture of support for his safe return. 

He's in our thoughts for sure. Please keep the positive energy coming for all our families with loved ones missing in the U.S. and abroad. Holidays are a particularly difficult time.

Prayers for all of you & Bob during this holiday.

Thinking of Mariah and the whole Ehlert Family.

We continue to keep Bob and his family in our thoughts and prayers.  Hoping the new year brings resolution and peace.

From a Panama internet forum:

In the wake of a series of arrests, primarily in San Carlos, earlier this month, La Prensa reports that at least seven people have been charged in connection with a series of armed robberies of homes and businesses over the past year. One of the few details that have been reported was something always suspected: this gang operated with inside information about their victims. So, are you a foreigner thinking about moving to Panama? If conspicuous consumption is the whole reason for your existence, think again. You do not want to draw attention to what valuable things you have. Nor do you want to be all that trusting with people who clean your house, tend your garden, guard your gated community or conduct financial business with you — being inconspicuous and a bit mysterious gives you a measure of protection.

Louis: Thanks for sharing this. Can you provide a link to the forum it came from? It's really important to be able to provide this kind of intel to the broader community. Any other info resources would be greatly appreciated.

Jeff

Attn: Jeff Dunsavage   http://www.expatexchange.com/

Hi Lou,

Thank you for the info. I did go on the site but I could not find this article. Can you send along the article?

Thanks again,  Jennifer

This appears to be the link to the post Louis is referring to:  http://www.expatexchange.com/expat/index.cfm?frmid=270&tpcid=33...

Jennifer, look under ExPatexchange topic "Armed Robberies San Carlos/Coronado" for the article or try  http://www.expatexchange.com/expat/index.cfm?frmid=270&tpcid=33... 

LOL ~~ Lou

Blog:  http://panamalou.blogspot.com/ 

I don't know how I missed this thread!   I did contact the Moynan family and they sent a very kind note but I sense they prefer to mourn quietly.

Bob always loved yellow roses so I purchased a yellow candle to burn through the holidays to keep Bob close in spirit. His daughter is in Panama to try to get more answers from authorities. The family is appalled at the lack of attention to detail in this investigation. Local authorities have never prioritized any local efforts to find Bob or his car, which also limits FBI involvement. We are deeply saddened and frustrated about how slowly the case has progressed, but remain hopeful for more local engagement in 2014!

We'll put Bob in our prayers, God Bless you all & family.

Received this comment from Panama via facebook, hope the family can use this info, not sure about the double name Alvarado Alvarado, error or TV name?

I have been given the name of a person who maybe able to help you, his name is Brett Mikkelson; I have had no personal contact with him or contact information other than he is on fb & can be contacted via fb.

Thanks, Louis, and others who have reached out to help. The case has been escalated to the "Fiscalia Primera Superior" in Panama and family members are following up or joining the authorities to follow up on all leads.

Interesting   http://www.expatexchange.com/expat/index.cfm?frmid=270&tpcid=33   didn't open, this is the first I'm seeing your comments, looks like your found it site anyway.  Sorry, point is there seems to be more violence, crime & kidnapping in Panama recently?  Also yesterday was the 50 anniversary of the Panama flag incident that resulted in the U.S. loosing the canal.  There was a ceremony/demonstration but I have NOT seen any news on the Martyrs' Day event?

The difficulty with all the countries in Central America is that the system is crooked ... corruption is rampant and honest police investigation often does not exist.  This causes the families if missing persons to go through huge up's and down's in emotions.  They are told that the case is being escalated, then nothing develops and eventually they become depressed.  That is a very hard emotional cycle to deal with.

Most of the missing persons cases involve foul play - wither by business associates or crime syndicates.  This kind of stuff will never be uncovered by news reporters.  Journalists are at serious risk of their own lives throughout Mexico and Central America.  For the same reason, local "investigators" do not really look too deep.  They know all too well that they will be killed themselves if they ask too many questions.  Americans have difficulty comprehending the seriousness of this - because we are fortunate to live in a country where the law usually prevails.  However, crime syndicates and drug cartels are extremely powerful through Central America.  The police are intimidated and will not cross their interests.  It takes special people to work in these hostile environments to pursue leads and deal with the very real dangers that exist.  It's no cakewalk.

I do hope this case is resolved.  And you can be sure that there are people in Panama who know exactly what happened.  But getting them to talk - that is outside the scope of all normal inquiries.

Be cautious of some so called (gringo/ExPat) experts.

Louis - good piece of advice.  It does pay to be cautious.

KL