The U.S. Marshals Service announced that Operation Meridian, the largest child‑recovery effort ever conducted in Ohio, successfully located 79 missing children ranging from 7 to 17 years old. The operation, carried out in August, focused on youngsters who were believed to be victims of sex trafficking, abuse, neglect, runaway situations and other forms of endangerment.
Coordinated effort across agencies
Federal officials worked hand‑in‑hand with Ohio state and local authorities, including the Cincinnati Police Department and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Marshal Michael Black emphasized the dual mission of the Marshals: “Through our fugitive task forces we locate and arrest the most violent fugitives, and using the same resources we have the ability to seek and recover missing and endangered children.”
Success stories bring hope to families
One notable case involved two sisters, ages 13 and 16, who had been missing since July 2024 and April 2026 respectively. During the sweep, officers discovered the 13‑year‑old hidden in a crawlspace beneath a bedroom closet in Lockbourne. Police also arrested the girl’s mother on a probation‑violation warrant. The 16‑year‑old was later found safe at a restaurant in Columbus.
Another recovery centered on a 16‑year‑old girl reported missing in Toledo and previously identified as a human‑trafficking victim. Law‑enforcement tracked her and a man she may have been with to a Toledo address, evaluated the child on site and began a criminal investigation into the adult.
Support for vulnerable children
Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice stressed that the operation goes beyond fighting waste, fraud and abuse: “It is about protecting vulnerable children associated with HUD‑assisted housing. 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 to find those responsible, protect residents, and hold offenders accountable.”
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott added, “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 noted that former kidnapping survivor Amanda Berry addressed the team before the operation, urging officers to treat each child as if they were their own.
Aftercare and next steps
Following the recoveries, officials coordinated medical and psychological assistance for each child. The success of Operation Meridian demonstrates the power of collaboration between federal marshals, state agencies and local communities in safeguarding Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens.
As the state celebrates this achievement, law‑enforcement leaders say the model will be used for future searches, reinforcing Ohio’s commitment to protecting families and upholding the safety of every child.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
