CLEVELAND, OHIO — Seventy-nine children reported missing and endangered were located during a month-long law enforcement operation across Ohio, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Operation Meridian, conducted throughout August, was described by the U.S. Marshals Service as the largest missing-child operation in Ohio history.
The children recovered ranged in age from 6 to 17.
Investigators worked with federal, state and local agencies to locate children reported missing under a variety of circumstances, including suspected sex trafficking, physical and emotional abuse, neglect and runaway situations.
One investigation involved two sisters, ages 13 and 16, who had been missing since July 2024 and April 2026.
Authorities located the 13-year-old hidden inside a basement crawlspace beneath the floor of a bedroom closet in Lockbourne.
Investigators subsequently located her 16-year-old sister at a Columbus restaurant.
Their mother was arrested on an outstanding probation-violation warrant.
Another case involved a 16-year-old girl previously reported as a victim of human trafficking.
Authorities followed leads into Toledo and Michigan before locating the girl with an adult male at a Toledo residence.
She was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation, while local authorities continued investigating possible criminal activity.
The operation involved numerous agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Ohio BCI, local police departments and other partners.
Officials emphasized that finding a missing child is only the beginning.
Recovered children were connected with medical, psychological and social-service organizations for additional support, including trauma-informed counseling, family-reunification services and case management when needed.
The operation demonstrates the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies when children cross jurisdictional boundaries or are believed to be in situations involving exploitation or other forms of danger.
