Another thin lead has brought hope to those searching for missing Lancaster General Hospital nurse Toni Sharpless, 29, of West Brandywine Township, Chester County.

The mother of a 12-year-old daughter was last seen Aug. 23 when she left a party in Gladwyne following a night of clubbing.

Private investigator Eileen Law, of Kennett Square, said a "credible" man claims to have seen Sharpless as he drove down East King Street near Water Street Nov. 13.

The man told Law that Sharpless was wearing a black wig which was askew, had "almost mascara black" circles under her eyes and carried a tan, oversized shoulder bag.

After he drove around the block to get a second look at the woman, he was certain it was Sharpless and called 911, Law said.

Law said the man was referred to city police who referred him to Township of Lower Merion police, who referred him to West Brandywine Township police.

Lower Merion police are leading the investigation with assistance from West Brandywine.

Law said West Brandywine police then called her. She is investigating the case on behalf of the Sharpless family.

Law said the sighting is one of many in Lancaster. She is encouraged because all sightings have been in Camden and Lancaster, and no two have been at the same time.

"In every sighting she's described as dazed, strung out, incredibly sad," Law said. "Since day one my gut has told me four things."

Those are: Sharpless is alive; she is doing drugs; she is in another state or traveling back and forth to another state; and she has been or is being used for sexual exploitation.

"My gut has never been wrong," Law said.

Jeannette Scott is a Sunday News Staff Writer. Contact her at jscott@lnpnews.com .