Peterson, 54, a former Bolingbrook, Ill., police officer, has been named a suspect by state police in the Oct. 28 disappearance of Stacy, then 23, from their home.

He said he wants Stacy, his fourth wife, found because their children miss her and he wants to clear his name. He told police he thinks he left him for another man, the Chicago Tribune said.

Stacy Peterson's family called the reward a publicity stunt.

Authorities meanwhile also are investigating as a homicide the 2004 death of Peterson's third wife, Kathleen Savio, found dead in her bathtub weeks before the couple's divorce settlement was to be completed.