Staff Writer

 Portland police are asking for help from the public as they investigate a Saco man’s claims he left a woman’s body in Northport after she overdosed on drugs.

Nathaniel Pete Mincher, 36, told police in February he had information about the disappearance of 24-year-old Elena Lozada of Portland. She was reported missing last July by her mother, Carrie Cronkite.

Lozada had been staying with friends at various locations in Portland after leaving her apartment, police said. She called her mother to say she had plans to go to Boston and last had contact with family July 6, police said.

No leads developed in her disappearance until Mincher came into contact with York County Sheriff’s deputies as they investigated a disabled car complaint, police said. Mincher told deputies he had information about Lozada and wanted to speak with a Portland police detective.

During an interview with a Portland detective, Mincher said he was with Lozada in Portland on July 10, 2010. Mincher said he picked her up on Congress Street and they consumed drugs together, police said.

Mincher told detectives she died a short time later from what he described as an overdose. He then brought her body to Northport in Waldo County and left her in the woods, police said.

Portland police, Maine State Police, Maine Warden Service and the Medical Examiner’s Office on Feb. 13 conducted a search of the area Mincher said he left the body. The area was covered by several feet of snow and no remains were located, police said.

Police returned to the scene April 17 after snow melted and recovered skeletal remains, police said. Additional remains were recovered during a second search April 25. The medical examiner identified Lozada’s remains.

Portland Police Lt. Gary Rogers said Lozada’s death is classified as suspicious and Mincher is considered a person of interest.

Mincher could not be reached for comment. His lawyer, Sarah Churchill of Portland, did not return repeated calls for comment.

Police are asking anyone with information about Mincher, Lozada or the case to call the criminal investigation division at 874-8533. Anonymous tips can be sent by text message to 274637 with the keyword “GOTCHA” or through the “submit an anonymous crime tip” link at www.portland-police.com. Anonymous phone tips also can be left at 874-8548.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.