ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Federal investigators from the FBI have stepped in to examine whether a series of disappearances involving several scientists are connected. Authorities say the probe includes at least four individuals from New Mexico and is intended to determine if the cases share a common thread.

One of the people under scrutiny is retired Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, who was reported missing from his home in the foothills in late February. McCasland previously worked at an Air Force facility in Ohio. That base has been the subject of public speculation about unusual materials, though officials from the Air Force have consistently denied those claims.

Other New Mexico residents who have been reported missing and who are known to have had access to classified information include Steven Garcia, Melissa Casias and Tony Chavez. The combination of their backgrounds and the timing of the disappearances prompted investigators to broaden the inquiry and look for any possible connections.

At this stage, investigators have not identified definitive links between the cases, but the matter has drawn attention at the highest levels of government. The White House described the situation as serious and worthy of further review, and administration officials said they would follow developments as the investigation proceeds.

Separately, the House Oversight Committee announced it will conduct its own review and has sought briefings from multiple federal agencies, including NASA and the Departments of Defense and Energy. Officials emphasize the investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather information to determine whether the disappearances are related or isolated incidents.