Dean S. Alsante, 58, of Faas Avenue in Utica, New York, was last heard from on December 21, 2022, when he spoke by phone with his sister in Florida. He is 5 feet 4 inches and about 120 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Neighbors say they had not seen him outside his home for several years after he lost a leg.

The disappearance drew attention when a paralegal visited his residence in early November 2023 seeking his signature and neighbors realized no one could recall seeing him for a long time. The Utica Police Department began welfare checks but were unable to locate him. Investigators are considering the possibility that he may have died and that someone else could be collecting his benefit checks.

Banners and flyers reading JusticeForDean have appeared in West Utica as the family seeks answers. Anyone with information about Dean’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Utica Police Department.