The Missing: Cleveland teen found safe in NYC, chilling reminder for parents about online predators

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A 16-year-old Cleveland girl who went missing, triggering an endangered missing teen alert, has been found safe in New York.

Dais-Marie Alicea vanished from her grandparents’ home on July 14, prompting an urgent search by Cleveland police.

Her mother, Jennifer Alicea, spoke first with Cleveland 19 News, expressing her fear and disbelief. “I know sometimes kids get given a phone and they can do stupid things so I keep it as simple as can be, I have a phone if you need it, you can borrow it!” she said, believing her daughter’s lack of a cell phone or social media would protect her.

However, Dais-Marie had been communicating with an older man she met on her PlayStation gaming system, highlighting the dangers children face online even without access to phones or social media.

FBI Agent William Lee Hasty, who previously warned about such threats, emphasized the need for parental supervision of online activities.

Police are considering charges against the man Dais-Marie was found with.

The girl’s safe return prompted Cleveland 19 News to launch “The Missing,” a series dedicated to helping families find missing loved ones and raise awareness about the dangers children face online.