A monthlong law enforcement operation across Ohio has ended with a major breakthrough: 79 missing and endangered children have been located and recovered, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The operation, known as Operation Meridian, was carried out throughout August and brought together federal, state and local authorities in what officials described as the largest missing-child operation in Ohio’s history.
The children recovered ranged in age from 6 to 17 years old. Authorities said the circumstances surrounding their disappearances varied widely, with investigators confronting cases involving suspected human trafficking, abuse, neglect, runaway situations and other forms of danger.
