The Missing: U.S. Marshals suspect someone is helping 15-year-old hide

EDITOR’S NOTE: The missing person in this story has been found. Per 19 News protocol, their photo and name have been removed.

CANTON, Ohio (WOIO) - 19 News is committed to shining a light on the thousands of missing persons in Northeast Ohio.

In this edition of “The Missing,” we focus on the desperate search for a 15-year-old who vanished from the Canton area on February 11, 2024.

U.S. Marshals, working closely with the teen’s mother, believe the teen has out-of-state connections and relatives who may be helping her stay on the run.

“We do believe the boyfriend and family have been involved or still are involved,” said U.S. Marshal Vinny Piccoli. “I don’t know that she’s with the boyfriend or the family... but I do think they’ve been assisting her with evading law enforcement and her family in Canton, Ohio.”

She is one of a growing number of missing teens from Northeast Ohio, many of whom are believed to be runaways.

When asked about those who question using resources on runaway teens, Piccoli acknowledged the perspective but emphasized the importance of law enforcement intervention.

“I understand that perspective,” Piccoli said, “but from a law enforcement perspective ... you don’t know what you’re saving them from.”

Piccoli, head of the U.S. Marshal’s Missing Child Division stressed that regardless of the circumstances, every resource will be utilized to ensure the safe return of missing children.

“We know what the world is like and it’s not a safe place for these juveniles,” he said.

If you recognize the teen or know where she might be, please call the Canton Police Department at 330-649-5800 or Stark County Crime-Stoppers. You can remain anonymous.

For more information on missing persons in Northeast Ohio, tune into Cleveland 19 News every Monday at 6 p.m. or visit our website.