COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, OHIO — A 16-year-old Ohio girl reported missing in February has been found safe in Florida following a coordinated multi-state investigation involving local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Madison Fields had been missing since Feb. 13. Authorities confirmed she was located safe in Palatka, Florida, and a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with her disappearance.
Teen Located After Intensive Multi-State Search
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fields was located after investigators identified a person of interest residing in Tennessee.
The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team was deployed to the suspect’s Tennessee residence. However, officials said the suspect fled before authorities arrived.
Law enforcement later tracked the suspect to a hotel in Florida.
“An alert to law enforcement was issued to be on the lookout for the suspect and his vehicle,” the FBI stated in a press release. “That vehicle was located by FBI Jacksonville and local police in a parking lot in Palatka, Florida. Madison was then found safe at the local hotel.”
Officials Express Relief
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie thanked the agencies involved in the search effort.
“We are thankful Madison is safe and will soon be back in Ohio,” Cromartie said, praising the coordinated response.
Colerain Police Chief Edwin C. Cordie III also acknowledged the work of investigators.
“We are all relieved that Madison has been safely located,” Cordie said. “Colerain Police and our partners never gave up hope that she would be found.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost emphasized the importance of collaboration and endangered missing child alerts in the case.
“The successful rescue of this teen is the product of strong law enforcement partnerships and underscores the vital role of Endangered Missing Child alerts,” Yost said.
Suspect in Custody
Authorities confirmed the suspect was taken into custody in Florida. Law enforcement officials stated that additional details regarding charges will be released in the near future.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether the Tennessee person of interest and the individual taken into custody in Florida are the same person.
Federal Indictment Filed in Separate Case
In a related development, a 43-year-old New York man, Kyle Lawrence, was indicted on federal sexual exploitation charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
Lawrence was charged on March 12 with:
- Transportation with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity
- Transportation of child pornography
Authorities indicated he had previous interactions with Fields. It remains unclear whether he has entered pleas to those charges.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Fields’ disappearance and the suspect’s alleged involvement.
Officials have not released additional details about how Fields traveled from Ohio to Florida or the timeline of events leading to her discovery.
Conclusion
The safe recovery of Madison Fields marks a significant development in a case that prompted widespread concern across Ohio and neighboring states.
Authorities credited strong cooperation between local police, state investigators, and federal agencies for the successful outcome.
