A U.S. Army veteran mysteriously vanished after being granted time to undergo surgery before pleading guilty to committing sexual acts with a 14-year-old girl—a turn of events that has led police in Mississippi to wonder whether he’s dead or alive.

The Sun Herald reported that Jackson County police have issued a warrant for Jacob Blair Scott, 41, who was set to plead guilty to nine counts of sexual battery against a minor, four counts of touching of a minor for lustful purposes, and one count of child exploitation. Scott was set to enter the guilty pleas three days before his disappearance.

In June, a judge allowed Scott to seek treatment for stage three ulcerative colitis, a potentially life-threatening condition, prior to his guilty plea.

But it was on June 30 when police received a report of a drifting boat near Orange Beach, Alabama. Orange Beach Investigator Trent Johnson told The Herald that Marines who searched Scott’s boat discovered a note suggesting that the writer died by suicide.

But, without a body or any sign of Scott, authorities are unsure.

After searching for seven days, Alabama authorities and the Coast Guard ceased their search for the missing Moss Point man. Authorities also mentioned that there’s no indication that Scott was the victim of a homicide.

In court papers filed before his upcoming guilty plea, Scott claimed he becomes confused easily due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) he suffered when he was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) while in combat. The filing also suggested that the TBI might’ve led him to overlook or not realize he was having sex with an underage girl, according to the newspaper. The incidents with the 14-year-old occurred between November 1, 2016, and February 28, 2017.

District Attorney Tony Lawrence declined The Herald’s recent request for comment, citing an ongoing investigation.

With more questions than answers, authorities have asked the public for information which could help them bring Scott to justice or locate his remains.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding Jacob Scott’s disappearance or whereabouts is urged to call the Orange Beach Police Department at 251-981-9777 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. Those who wish to leave a tip can do so anonymously at mscoastcrimestoppers.com.

[Featured Image: Jacob Blair Scott/Jackson County Adult Detention Center]