U.S. Marshals Service announces recovery of dozens of missing and endangered children in largest operation of its kind in Ohio history
The U.S. Marshals Service has announced the recovery of dozens of reported missing and endangered children in Ohio during what it described as the largest missing-child operation in the state’s history. Operation Meridian, conducted throughout August with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, located 79 children between the ages of 6 and 17 who had been reported missing under circumstances including suspected trafficking, abuse, neglect, running away and other forms of endangerment.
Operation Meridian, the largest missing-child operation in Ohio history
The monthlong operation involved direct coordination with local agencies in communities including Akron, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, while some missing children were located as far away as Georgia. Investigators also received assistance from agents with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“This action extends well beyond fighting waste, fraud and abuse, it is about protecting vulnerable children in associated with HUD-assisted housing,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice. “Let this serve as an unmistakable message, there will be no sanctuary for those who prey upon or endanger the vulnerable and we will bring the full weight of our investigative authority, alongside the U.S. Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners, to find those responsible, protect residents and hold offenders accountable.”
Following their recovery, officials said the children were connected with Children and Family Services, social service providers and family reunification resources, and provided medical and psychological care.
Sisters missing for months and years found
One investigation involved two sisters, aged 13 and 16, who had been reported missing in July 2024 and April 2026, respectively. U.S. Marshals working with the Columbus Police Department followed leads to a home in Lockbourne, where the younger girl was found concealed in a basement crawlspace beneath the floor of a bedroom closet.
The girls’ mother was arrested on an outstanding Franklin County warrant for a probation violation. Information obtained during the arrest led investigators to the 16-year-old, who was recovered later that day at a restaurant on Harrisburg Pike in Columbus.
Missing Toledo girl recovered
In another case, a 16-year-old girl reported missing to Toledo police on August 18 was located after the Marshals Service’s SPEAR Unit joined the investigation. The girl had previously been identified as a victim of human trafficking. Authorities followed information about a man she might have been with and located both individuals at an address in Toledo. The girl received medical care and was transported to a hospital for evaluation, while the man was interviewed as local law enforcement investigated potential criminal activity.
Officials say the work is only beginning
According to reports, Cleveland kidnapping survivor Amanda Berry addressed the Marshals team prior to the beginning of Operation Meridian and encouraged investigators to treat every missing child as if they were their own.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a statement, “I am very proud of our dedicated law enforcement, community and media partners who worked tirelessly to bring our missing and most vulnerable children to safety. … Every recovered child represents a life pulled back from danger.”
He added that the operation would not mark the end of efforts to find missing children. “We want to continue to get out there and find missing children. So we don’t jump for joy and say, ‘Hey, look at what we did this for the month of August. It’s over,’” Elliott said. “Heck, no. It’s just beginning.”