‘Operation Homecoming’ Recovers 32 Missing Children in the Akron Area

Akron, OH – U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the U.S. Marshals led ‘Operation Homecoming.’  

Operation Homecoming was focused on the safe recovery of missing children from the Akron and Summit County areas.  The operation was a joint endeavor between the U.S. Marshals Service, the Akron Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.  Over the course of three weeks, from August 19 to September 6, members of the Missing Child Unit worked with Akron police and Summit Sheriff’s Deputies to identify missing and endangered children in their area.  During that time law enforcement was able to safely recover and locate 32 missing children.  The children ranged in age from 13-18 years old.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Dedicated work by our Missing Child Unit along with Akron Police and the Sheriff’s Office have made an incredible impact in the safe recovery of these children.  The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to dedicate its time and resources to the safe recovery of missing children in our communities throughout northern Ohio.”

“I’m proud of the excellent work of my team and of our partner agencies in this very important operation,” said Sheriff Fatheree. “It is a great example of how collaboration makes us stronger and helps us to better serve and protect our community.”

Some of the missing children were recovered in the Akron area, others in Cleveland, and one child, reported missing by the Akron Police Department in April 2022, was safely located in Washington state.  Akron Police Chief Brian Harding added, “The partnership and devoted work by law enforcement in this operation directly led to the safe recovery of the missing child located across the country.”  

Law enforcement officers worked closely with Summit County Children’s Services to ensure that resources were available to the children that were recovered, especially those who had been missing for a longer period of time.  

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