CLEVELAND (WJW) – The U.S. Marshals Service recovered 79 children reported missing or endangered during a monthlong operation across Ohio, officials announced Tuesday.
The operation is being described by the U.S. Marshals Service as the largest missing-child operation in Ohio history.
Operation Meridian
Operation Meridian was conducted throughout August with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, according to a press release.
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The children, ages 6 to 17, were reported missing under a variety of circumstances, including suspected sex trafficking, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, running away and other forms of endangerment, officials said.
“Every recovered child represents a life pulled back from danger,” U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a news release.
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One case involved two sisters, ages 13 and 16, who had been reported missing in July 2024 and April 2026, according to US Marshals…