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Dozens of Missing Children Found in Ohio Operation Meridian
Confirmed
In Short: The U.S. Marshals Service announced the recovery of 79 missing and endangered children in Ohio, the largest such operation in the state’s history.
The U.S. Marshals Service announced the recovery of 79 missing and endangered children in Ohio, the largest such operation in the state’s history, according to a news release on Tuesday.
Operation Meridian, which took place throughout August, involved federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and focused on children reported missing due to suspected sex trafficking, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and other forms of endangerment.
The U.S. Marshals Service said investigators had coordinated with local police agencies, state agencies, and federal partners to locate children as far away as Georgia, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the operation.
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott expressed pride in the dedicated law enforcement, community, and media partners who worked tirelessly to bring missing and vulnerable children to safety.
What's confirmed
- It focused on children reported missing due to circumstances including suspected sex trafficking, physical and emotional abuse, neglect and other forms of endangerment.
What's still developing
- To be clear, this does not mean 79 children were found in one place.
- U.S. Marshal Michael Black said the same tools used to track violent fugitives can also be used to help find missing and endangered children.
- One girl had been reported missing in July 2024, while the other had been reported missing in April 2026.
- Another case involved a 16-year-old girl reported missing to Toledo police on Aug. 18.
- Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice said the effort was about protecting vulnerable children connected with HUD-assisted housing and warned there would be “no sanctuary” for those who prey on or endanger vulnerable people.
- Officials said finding the children is only the first step.
- Elliott said Berry told investigators to treat every missing child like their own.
- Instead, investigators worked dozens of separate missing-child cases across Ohio.