A 16-year-old Ohio teen who vanished in February has been safely located in Florida.
According to the FBI Cincinnati, authorities found Madison Fields in a Palatka hotel after officials identified a “person of interest” in Tennessee.
The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) arrived at the suspect’s Tennessee home, but were unable to locate him. The FBI Jacksonville subsequently located his vehicle at the Palatka hotel parking lot and took him into custody.
“We are thankful Madison is safe and will soon be back in Ohio,” FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “I want to thank all the law enforcement agencies involved for their relentless work to find Madison.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Madison was last seen February 13 at around 4 p.m. in Cinncinati, leaving the the InTown Suites on Colerain Avenue, where her family had been staying at the time.
While reviewing security footage from Madison’s home in January, police linked her to Kyle Lawrence, 43, of Buffalo, New York.
Lawrence is currently behind bars on felony charges related to meeting up with the teen for sexual encounters.
Lawrence has not been charged with Madison’s disappearance, but has been federally charged with transporting material depicting child sexual abuse and intent to engage in criminal sexual acts.
Authorities are expected to provide additional details at a later time on the Tennessee suspect.
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Shutterstock]