The Missing Persons Section of the Nassau County Police Department's 8th Precinct is requesting the assistance of the media and the public in locating a Farmingdale girl who has been missing since Tuesday, May 8 at 7 a.m.

According to detectives, Shaina Schwarzman, 16, of Yoakum Street, is described as a black female, 5'6", 130 pounds, with short brown hair, hazel eyes, wearing white pants, grey and pink Reebok sneakers, large silver hoop earrings and carrying a black purse. Police stated she last seen attending Farmingdale High School on Lincoln Street.

Assistant Superintendent for Administration Barbara J. Horsley said that the Farmingdale School District is working with both the police and the family.

"The principal of the high school wrote a letter to all the parents and then we actually sent it around to all the elementary schools and the middle school," Horsley added. "We figured if all the parents knew, that might help."

Parents for Megan's Law and Schwarzman's family held a press conference on May 24. According to Parents for Megan's Law, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of childhood sexual abuse, Schwarzman is a developmentally disabled ninth grade girl with a second grade reading level. It was also stated that her disabilities include mental retardation.

At the press conference it was stated that Schwarzman's aunt, Gerry Villari, and her grandfather and legal guardian, Robert Wick suspect she is being exploited and fears possible gang involvement because she is easily influence. They also plead with the public for help in finding her.

Detectives request anyone with information regarding this individual to call Nassau County Police Missing Person Section at 573-5336. All information will be kept confidential.