Missing CDC researcher Timothy Cunningham was indeed promoted prior to his disappearance, agency officials clarified late last month.

Initial reports by Atlanta police indicated that Cunningham, 35, vanished without a trace February 12 after being turned down for a promotion. However, the CDC said February 27 that the epidemiologist had received a promotion, but was upset that it wasn’t the one he wanted, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

According to WAGA, Acting CDC Director Radm Anne Schuchat explained that Cunningham received an early promotion to commander on July 1 for his “exemplary performance in the U.S. Public Health Service.”

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Cunningham supposedly left his home without taking his phone, wallet or identification. Additionally, his cat and dog were located in the residence.

Cunningham reportedly made a peculiar comment to his next door neighbor a day before his disappearance.

“He told my husband to tell his wife–me –to erase his cellphone number from my cell phone,” Viviana Tory told CBS.

READ More: MISSING! CDC scientist vanishes without a trace after being passed over for promotion, police say

In partnership with  Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta, Cunningham’s family increased the reward from $10,000 to $15,000 for any information that will help authorities land an arrest or indictment pertaining to Cunningham’s disappearance.

“If Tim reads this message, we hope you come home soon,” the CDC said in a statement emailed to the Journal-Constitution. “If anyone reading this has information about the whereabouts of Commander Cunningham, please come forward.”

Anyone with information surrounding Timothy Cunningham’s disappearance is urged to contact Atlanta police at 404-546-4235. Anonymous tips can be left at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.

[Featured Image: Timothy Cunningham/Provided]