thmD (@thmD)

U.S. Marshals Service announced Sept. 8. The (79) children, ages 6 to 17, were found during Operation Meridian. The monthlong operation included the discovery of a 13-year-old girl hidden beneath a bedroom closet floor. The operation took place in August, and the U.S. Marshals Service described it as the largest missing-child operation in Ohio’s history. Some of the children were found as far away as Georgia. “The United States Marshals Service, through its fugitive task forces, locates and arrests the most violent fugitives in our communities,” said U.S. Marshal Michael Black. “We are proud to be able to assist our law enforcement partners in locating and reuniting missing children with their families.” Cases included children reported missing under circumstances such as suspected sex trafficking, abuse, neglect, runaway situations, and other dangers.