79 missing kids found in Ohio during monthlong operation

By
FOX Local
Published September 9, 2026 9:51 AM EDT

FILE: A U.S. Marshals Service Police officer (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • Nearly 80 missing children from Ohio were found in the month of August during a law enforcement operation involving multiple agencies. 
    • The Marshals Service says the operation focused on children reported missing through sex trafficking, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, runaways "and other forms of endangerment."
    • Investigators said they found missing children from Ohio as far away as Georgia.

An operation in Ohio involving the U.S. Marshals Service and other federal and state law enforcement agencies ended with 79 missing children being found, according to the Marshals Service. 

The month-long mission, called Operation Meridian, took place throughout August. 

Operation Meridian in Ohio

What they're saying:

The Marshals Service says the operation focused on children reported missing through sex trafficking, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, runaways "and other forms of endangerment."

Local perspective: Investigators coordinated with multiple agencies, finding missing children from Ohio as far away as Georgia.  Investigators worked across jurisdictional lines, coordinating with local police agencies, state agencies, and federal partners to locate children as far away as Georgia.

RELATED: 163 missing Florida kids rescued, 3 arrested during Operation Statewide Shield

The 79 children found were between the ages of 6 and 17. 

"The United States Marshals Service, through its fugitive task forces, locates and arrests the most violent fugitives in our communities," U.S. Marshal Michael Black said in a prepared statement. "Using the same resources and methods we have the ability to seek and recover missing and endangered children. We are proud to be able to assist our law enforcement partners in locating and reuniting missing children with their families."

Who did they find? 

Dig deeper:

The operation involved the recovery of two sisters, 13 and 16, who were reported missing in July 2024 and April 2026. The 13-year-old was found in a basement crawlspace hidden in the floor of a bedroom closet. Her sister was found later the same day at a restaurant in Columbus. The children’s mother was arrested for an outstanding warrant. 

Another 16-year-old girl reported missing on Aug. 18 was found with an adult male in Toledo, a suspected victim of human trafficking. 

"Recovery by law enforcement is only the first step, these organizations provide ongoing support including trauma-informed counseling, family reunification services, and long-term case management when needed," the Marshals Service said. 

The Source: This report includes information from the U.S. Marshals Service.

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