U.S. Marshals Safely Recover Missing/Endangered Juvenile

Seattle, WA – U.S. Marshals in Washington have recovered a missing and endangered child reported as missing to the Mesa, Arizona, Police Department in May 2026.

On June 18, the U.S. Marshals received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that the child was potentially being sex trafficked within Washington state. 

A deputy U.S. marshal assigned to investigate missing children in the Western District of Washington quickly developed an investigative lead as to the missing juvenile’s whereabouts which led to the 3200 block of Martin Way East, a 20-acre homeless encampment commonly referred to as “The Jungle,” known for high rates of violence and community safety concerns.

On June 25 U.S. Marshals with the assistance of the Washington State Department of Corrections canvassed the area and safely located the juvenile and turned her over to the Washington State Department of Children Youth and Families and Olympia Police Department to receive treatment and victim assistance. 

“Protecting our nation’s children is of the highest importance,” said Donrien Stephens, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Washington. “The excellent investigative efforts, collaboration, and persistence of our local, state, and community partners lead to the safe recovery of a youth with an elevated risk of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.” 

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 enhanced the U.S. Marshals’ authority to assist law enforcement with recovering endangered missing children, regardless of whether a fugitive or sex offender was involved. The Marshals established a Missing Child Unit to oversee and manage the implementation of its enhanced authority under the act. 

Since the passage of the JVTA in 2015, the USMS has contributed to the location or recovery of 5,281 missing children.

Anyone with information on wanted fugitives is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102 or the USMS Tips App.