4-Year-Old Child Missing from North Olmsted Recovered in Puerto Rico by U.S. Marshals

Cleveland, OH – Yesterday, late in the afternoon, U.S. Marshals in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico recovered a missing 4-year-old boy from North Olmsted. 

On March 16, the boy, who is autistic and non-verbal, was reported missing by his father to North Olmsted Police Department.  The mother, and non-custodial parent, did not return the child to his father after a 3-day visit. The U.S. Marshals led SPEAR Unit began looking for the mother and missing child.  It was learned that the mother was no longer in her home and although her vehicle was located locally, she and the child were not.

Investigators learned that the mother may have fled with the child to Puerto Rico. 

Investigators with the SPEAR unit worked closely with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and North Olmsted Police regarding potential charges for the mother.  On March 23, Evelyn Otero, 37, the mother of the missing child, was charged with eight counts of interference with custody.

Information on the possible whereabouts of the boy and Otero was immediately sent to investigators with the U.S. Marshals in Puerto Rico.  Within a day of receiving the information they were able to locate Otero and the missing boy.  The boy was safely recovered, and the mother was taken into custody without incident.  She will remain in custody in Puerto Rico until she can be extradited back to Cuyahoga County to face the charges against her.  

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “We are thankful for yet another quick and safe recovery after an incredible investigation by members of the SPEAR Unit, Cuyahoga Prosecutor’s Office and North Olmsted Police.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833). Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.