California representative Maxine Waters (pictured) has requested that the FBI step in to investigate a case of a woman who has been missing since September.

In a letter released to reporters Tuesday, Waters wrote that she was concerned about the well-being of her constituent Mitrice Richardson. Waters added that she is also concerned about the failure of the local Los Angeles FBI office to properly investigate Richardson's disappearance.

"It is understandable that a loving parent would take extreme steps to
find his daughter," Waters wrote. "However, I believe that the FBI, with
its trained and experienced personnel and abundance of resources, is
better equipped than a private individual for such an investigation. In
addition, the FBI has the responsibility to pursue cases implicating
federal criminal or civil rights statutes. I believe the circumstances
and facts of this case warrant the bureau’s involvement."

Richardson, who is a lesbian, went missing after she was arrested in Malibu, Calif., for her inability to pay a dinner tab. She was released by local police from the Malibu/Lost Hills sheriff's station in the early morning hours of September 17 without money, identification, or a way to get home.

Out of desperation to find his daughter, Michael Richardson has sold some of his personal assets to raise money for a private investigator.