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A 16-year-old girl from Ohio, who disappeared earlier this year in February, has been found safe in Florida.
The FBI’s Cincinnati division reported that Madison Fields was discovered at a hotel in Palatka after authorities tracked down a “person of interest” in Tennessee.
The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team initially visited the suspect’s residence in Tennessee but did not find him there. Later, the FBI Jacksonville branch found his vehicle parked at a Palatka hotel, where they apprehended him.
“We are relieved that Madison is safe and will soon be reunited with her family in Ohio,” stated Jason Cromartie, the special agent in charge at FBI Cincinnati. “I extend my gratitude to all law enforcement agencies who tirelessly worked to bring Madison home.”
According to CrimeOnline, Madison was last observed on February 13 around 4 p.m. in Cincinnati, departing from the InTown Suites on Colerain Avenue, where her family was residing 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.
[Feature Photo: Shutterstock]