U.S. Marshals Operation Homecoming has successfully located and recovered 32 missing children from hazardous conditions.
At a Glance
- Operation Homecoming recovered 32 missing children in Akron and Summit County areas.
- Led by U.S. Marshals Service in collaboration with Akron Police and Summit County Sheriff’s Office.
- Duration of three weeks from August 19 to September 6.
- Children ranged in age from 13 to 18 years old.
- Some children were found in other cities and states.
Operation Homecoming’s Success
Operation Homecoming, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, successfully recovered 32 missing children in the Akron and Summit County areas. The operation took place over three weeks, from August 19 to September 6, demonstrating a strong commitment to child safety and collaboration.
The operation saw the combined efforts of the Akron Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott praised the partnership, saying, “Dedicated work by our Missing Child Unit along with Akron Police and the Sheriff’s Office have made an incredible impact in the safe recovery of these children. The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to dedicate its time and resources to the safe recovery of missing children in our communities throughout northern Ohio.”
The U.S. Marshals have announced that they have recovered 32 missing children in the Akron area during "Operation Homecoming." https://t.co/Lwc2y2quvn
— WTOL 11 (@WTOL11Toledo) September 10, 2024
Details of the Recovery Operation
The children recovered in this operation ranged in age from 13 to 18 years old. Some were found in Akron, others in Cleveland, and one child was located as far as Washington state. This underscores the widespread reach and effectiveness of the operation. Deputy U.S. Marshal Vinny Piccoli remarked on the conditions some children were found in, stating that they were often in dangerous situations involving guns, drugs, trafficking, and prostitution.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/over-30-missing-summit-county-155212205.html
The Critical Role of Collaboration
The collaboration between the U.S. Marshals, local law enforcement agencies, and child services was pivotal to the operation. Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree highlighted the importance of teamwork, stating, “I’m proud of the excellent work of my team and of our partner agencies in this very important operation. It is a great example of how collaboration makes us stronger and helps us to better serve and protect our community.”
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding also emphasized the role of partnership, particularly in recovering a child across the country. “The partnership and devoted work by law enforcement in this operation directly led to the safe recovery of the missing child located across the country,” Harding noted.
Operation Homecoming led by #USMS along with #Akron Police and #Summit Sheriff has recovered 32 missing children.#WeWillFindYou#Missing#Community pic.twitter.com/6OpiZ8LH6n
— U.S. Marshals Service Cleveland (@USMSCleveland) September 9, 2024
Support and Future Efforts
Once the children were found, Summit County Children’s Services stepped in to provide necessary resources, especially for those who had been missing for longer periods. Continued efforts and tips from the public can help locate more missing children. Information about wanted fugitives can be provided to the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force via phone or web tip, with reward money and anonymity assured.
“Dedicated work by our Missing Child Unit along with Akron Police and the Sheriff’s Office have made an incredible impact in the safe recovery of these children. The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to dedicate its time and resources to the safe recovery of missing children in our communities throughout northern Ohio,” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott.
The public can further engage through the U.S. Marshals Service’s website and Twitter for updates and more information. This operation showcases the need for continuous vigilance and collaboration in ensuring the safety of our children.