A 16-year-old girl reported missing from Ohio has been safely recovered following a month-long investigation that led federal agents to a hotel room in Jacksonville, Florida, and resulted in the arrest of an accused kidnapper, according to the FBI, as reported by Fox News.
The teenager, who is from Colerain Township, Ohio, was reported missing on Feb. 16. Authorities said she was located last Friday in a hotel room near Jacksonville after investigators tracked the suspect across multiple states.
The suspect, identified as a Tennessee man named Negron, is now in custody. Charges against him are currently pending as investigators continue reviewing evidence related to the case.
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According to federal officials, agents initially executed a search warrant at Negron’s residence in Tennessee. By the time authorities arrived, he had already fled the location.
Investigators were able to track both Negron and his vehicle later that same morning, eventually locating him in Palatka, Florida.
Law enforcement officers arrested Negron in Palatka, and the missing girl was found safe shortly afterward in a nearby hotel room in Jacksonville.
The FBI said digital evidence connected to the case remains under review. At this time, officials stated that no child sexual abuse material has been identified.
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FBI Director Kash Patel commended the operation, which involved coordination among multiple FBI field offices, local law enforcement agencies, and the bureau’s Hostage Rescue Team.
"This case is the best of the FBI working with our great local partners: Acting quickly, using elite technology capabilities, and deploying the best of the best tactical units to find the alleged kidnapper and very likely save a young girl’s life," Patel said in a statement.
"Protecting kids against violent criminals has been a top priority of this FBI from the start, and day after day our teams continue to get it done all across this country. Our Cincinnati, Nashville, and Jacksonville field offices working with local partners – as well as our incredible Hostage Rescue Team – all did outstanding work in this case and no doubt saved lives."
Federal investigators also revealed that Negron had previously been linked to a separate incident in 2024 involving a 17-year-old girl from Texas. In that case, he allegedly transported the minor for sexual activity.
Authorities said that during the earlier investigation, Negron was involved in two barricade incidents with local law enforcement and is accused of making threatening statements toward officers.
A shotgun was reportedly recovered from his residence during that time.
The FBI noted that Negron’s prior criminal history includes misdemeanor charges for theft, trespassing, criminal mischief, and marijuana possession.
Despite the circumstances surrounding the 2024 case, the local district attorney did not pursue charges at that time.
Federal officials confirmed they met with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio on Tuesday to discuss potential federal charges related to the transportation of a minor for sexual activity connected to the 16-year-old victim.
Following his arrest in Florida, Negron was placed in transit back to Tennessee.
The FBI described the case as part of a broader effort to target individuals accused of exploiting minors.
Officials emphasized that this marks the second coordinated operation within one week involving the apprehension of an alleged child sexual abuser.
In a separate case referenced by the bureau, coordination between FBI field offices in Buffalo and Charlotte led to the rescue of a 13-year-old child and a 7-month-old infant.
Authorities said the latest operation underscores ongoing coordination between federal and local agencies in locating missing children and pursuing suspects across state lines.
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