HENRY COUNTY, Ohio — After an endangered missing child advisory was issued for multiple counties in Ohio, an 8-year-old girl was found safe in the Cleveland area.
The U.S. Marshals Service Missing Child Unit and the Henry County Sheriff's Office found Elena Kalvitz in the 3400 block of West 94th Street on Friday.
“I could not be prouder of the swift, diligent work of our team and local partners. This case is a prime example of why strong relationships with our local law enforcement agencies is so important," said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott. "This young child was recovered safely and removed from a potentially dangerous situation because of it.”
The advisory for Elena, which was issued overnight, came from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in Northwest Ohio.
An investigation by the HCSO was initiated after Elena was ordered into the care of Henry County Job and Family Services on Thursday.
Upon investigation, HCSO determined that the child was taken by her father 43-year-old Gregory Kalvitz and mother 32-year-old Jessica Downing. Both Downing and Kalvitz were taken into custody in Cleveland.
“There was a high level of concern for the child’s safety following outbursts from Gregory Kalvitz in Court and a suspected homemade meth lab was found at their residence by HCSO,” said U.S. Marshals officials in a press release.
“I couldn’t agree more of the cooperation between the agencies involved and thank the Marshals for the swift action. I will sleep much better tonight, knowing the child is safe, and Greg Kalvitz and Jessica Downing are in custody," said Henry County Sheriff Michael Bodenbender. "I would also like to thank Ohio BCI & I along with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for their instrumental help with this case and investigation.”
Want to be among the first to know the most important local and national news? You can download the free WKYC app and get the latest updates right on your phone: Android, Apple.
MORE HEADLINES:
