U.S. Marshals announced Tuesday that 79 missing children were found in Ohio during Operation Meridian, marking the largest missing-child recovery effort in the state’s history. The operation, conducted throughout August, involved extensive coordination with local police in cities including Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo, as well as law enforcement agencies in Kentucky and federal partners.
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The children recovered during the operation ranged in age from 6 to 17. Their recovery underscores the persistent threat of child trafficking, abuse, and neglect, and highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face in locating and protecting vulnerable minors. Many of the children had been reported missing under a variety of circumstances, including suspected trafficking, abuse, neglect, and as runaways.
Operation Meridian comes amid heightened national attention to child safety and trafficking, with law enforcement agencies across the country increasing efforts to locate missing and endangered youth. The operation is part of a broader push by federal, state, and local agencies to address the risks facing children who go missing, and to bring them safely back to their families or guardians.
Details of Operation Meridian
According to the U.S. Marshals, the children were reported missing under a range of circumstances. Some were believed to be victims of trafficking, while others were considered at risk due to abuse or neglect. Several of the children had run away from home or from foster care placements. The operation was not limited to Ohio; some children were located outside the state, including at least one child found in Georgia.
The operation also involved the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Kentucky and agents from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), reflecting the multi-jurisdictional nature of the effort. HUD agents participated with a focus on protecting children living in HUD-assisted housing, recognizing that children in these environments can be particularly vulnerable.
Officials highlighted several specific cases to illustrate the scope and complexity of the operation. In one instance, two sisters reported missing in Columbus were located as a result of coordinated law enforcement action. One of the girls had been reported missing in July 2024, and the other in April 2026. Their mother was arrested on an outstanding warrant for probation violation in Franklin County. During the arrest, officers recovered one of the sisters. Based on information obtained during the arrest, officers were able to locate the second sister later that same day at a restaurant on Harrisburg Pike in Columbus.
Another case involved the recovery of a victim of child trafficking in Toledo, further highlighting the range of dangers faced by missing children and the importance of coordinated recovery efforts.
Community and Agency Involvement
Operation Meridian received support from a range of community figures and organizations. Amanda Berry, a Cleveland resident who survived a high-profile kidnapping and has since become an advocate for missing children, addressed the Marshals’ team before the operation began. Berry urged the officers to treat every missing child as if they were their own, emphasizing the importance of empathy and dedication in recovery efforts. Her involvement was cited by officials as a source of inspiration for the team.
Former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar also lent his support, publicly praising the Marshals’ efforts on social media. His recognition brought additional public attention to the operation and the broader issue of missing children.
HUD agents played a key role in the operation, focusing on children living in HUD-assisted housing. Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice stated that the agency’s involvement "extends well beyond fighting waste, fraud, and abuse, it is about protecting vulnerable children in associated with HUD-assisted housing." This reflects a growing recognition among federal agencies of the need to address the broader social and safety issues affecting children in public housing.
"Every recovered child represents a life pulled back from danger."
— Pete Elliott, U.S. Marshal
Law Enforcement Statements and Next Steps
U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott credited the success of Operation Meridian to the dedication of law enforcement, community, and media partners. He specifically thanked Amanda Berry for her partnership and for motivating the team to approach each case with personal commitment. "We were so fortunate to have our friend Amanda Berry partner with us during Operation Meridian. She addressed our team prior to the operation and told them to treat every missing child like they were our own, and that’s what the men and women of the United States Marshal Service and our partners did. That is why this operation was such a success," Elliott said.
Special Agent Rice emphasized that there will be "no sanctuary for those who prey upon or endanger the vulnerable," and pledged that law enforcement agencies will continue their efforts to hold offenders accountable and protect at-risk children.
Officials did not provide additional details on pending investigations or charges related to the recovered children, citing the ongoing nature of many cases. However, they indicated that the operation’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated, multi-agency efforts in addressing the complex issue of missing and endangered children.
Operation Meridian stands as the largest recovery of missing children in Ohio’s history, and officials say it serves as a model for future efforts both in the state and nationwide. The operation highlights the importance of collaboration among law enforcement, community advocates, and federal agencies in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
