Police expanded their search for a missing 4-year-old Newburgh boy Wednesday, sending out more than two dozen officers and utilizing a police helicopter.

Police officers have been handing out flyers bearing the photo of Marc Bookal, who vanished Dec. 14 while in the care of his mother's boyfriend, Cory Byrd. Authorities say Byrd has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and a violation of parole.

Bookal's biological father says when his son got a burn several months ago, Child Protective Services never notified police that Byrd was his caretaker.

In the meantime, police say the reward for Bookal's safe return has been increased to $26,000.