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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 6:55 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Hawaii millionaire remains missing

Associated Press

Steven Thomas, the founded an Internet software security company, remained missing on O'ahu as of Wednesday, police said.

In making a public plea for help, Thomas' family said he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in April but has refused medication.

The 36-year-old Thomas was last seen June 30 at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel in Waikiki, where his mother and a cousin were staying.

"He thinks everyone on the island is out to get him," Candis Thomas said of her husband's bipolar condition. "He thinks the military is involved, he thinks that aliens are involved, and he's just been in a real delusion state of being fearful."

Thomas was arrested April 27 and taken to Castle Medical Center after he ran naked into the middle of a race/walk in front of his home in Lanikai. He also owns a home in Boulder, Colo.

He is the founder of Boulder-based Webroot Software Inc. The software company that created the Spy Sweeper and Window Washer programs was sold in 2004 to a group of investors for about $108 million.

Thomas was concerned about the poor performance of his investment portfolio and discussions about moving back to Colorado full time, his wife said.

"I really want to appeal to anyone who may have seen my husband. He's a sweet, wonderful person. I am pretty much beside myself. I am beyond desperate."

"He needs professional help," she said. "He's been in this state of suffering from severe illness. If he doesn't get the medical help he needs this could be a mess."

Steven Thomas' identical twin brother, Kevin Thomas, has joined in the search.

"We are grieving and we just want to get my brother back," Kevin Thomas said.

The brothers' mother is also on O'ahu, working with police and a private investigator.

Police have received reports of Steven Thomas being seen, but officers have been unable to locate him.

"He's a step ahead of us. If you spot someone, even if you (only) think it's him, call us," Sgt. Kim Buffet said. "He could be anywhere."