JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - They're hoping for the best in the search of a missing eastern Kentucky couple, but family, friends and even the sheriff all fear the worst.

Larry and Sandra Blanton have been missing from Johnson County for about three weeks now.

According to Johnson County Sheriff Dwayne Price, Sandra Blanton's elderly mother talked to her daughter every day until September 5. She hasn't heard from her since. Sandra Blanton's mother lives in Ohio and told investigators the daughter and son-in-law would never leave the farm without notice.

Larry and Sandra's son, Willie, says they went to Florida.

"I've never known them to take a vacation and they said that's what they was going to do, was to get away," said Willie Blanton.

The sheriff says Florida was just one of several stories Willle Blanton told him and family members about his parents disappearance.

"He told some they were going camping, he told others they were going to florida, it just doesn't add up," says Sheriff Dwayne Price.

The sheriff says the Blanton's troubling bank and cell phone records show no transactions and no calls since September fifth.

Court records show Willie Blanton is an ex-convict with a criminal history of burglary and theft.

"I've had people make accusations that I would do something to my parents," said Willie Blanton

The sheriff says Willie is a person of interest in his parents disappearance and they plan to search the property on Sunday

Sheriff Price says the Blanton's Dodge pickup never left their farm. Their son told him they left in a blue Nissan but the sheriff says there's no evidence of that.