Maine Wardens Renew Hunt for Franklin Man Missing Since 2017

FRANKLIN, Maine — Maine Warden Service wardens will resume searching Saturday for Russell Burnett, a 47-year-old Franklin resident who disappeared on or about Feb. 21, 2017, near his home at 323 Eastbrook Road. Burnett was reported missing two days later by the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, prompting an investigation now led by the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit. Authorities believe he left the property on foot with his dog, but prior searches of the home and surrounding areas turned up no clues.

The upcoming operation targets a high-probability area in neighboring Eastbrook, classified as routine for long-term missing persons cases. Warden Service spokesperson Shannon Moss said Friday the effort is coordinated solely by law enforcement, with no public involvement requested and no cause for alarm. The Major Crimes Unit's role hints at possible foul play, though officials have not confirmed that detail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dana Austin at the Maine State Police at 207-973-3700, ext. 9, or submit tips via the agency's online portal. Franklin, a small Hancock County community along the Union River, has seen multiple fruitless searches since Burnett's vanishing, leaving locals and family without answers after nine years.