Former Ohio Teacher Charged After Missing Teen Found at His Home
Authorities allege the ex-teacher knowingly housed the missing girl for 263 days.
A former Ohio teacher has been charged with interference with custody after allegedly allowing a missing teenage girl to stay at his home for 263 days. Jobe Binkley, 48, of Springfield, Ohio, was aware the girl had been reported missing, according to a criminal complaint.
The teen had run away from a youth shelter in Columbus on December 2, 2025, and was reported missing. Binkley, who was the girl's former high school science teacher, was charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
On August 21, agents from the U.S. Marshal's Office went to Binkley's Springfield home, identified as the girl's last known location. According to an affidavit, Binkley informed the officer that the teen was inside and called for her to come out, which she did.
Investigators also stated that officers had visited Binkley's home on two previous occasions while searching for the missing girl. During those visits, Binkley allegedly refused to let officers inside and claimed the juvenile was not present. The affidavit notes that officers had informed Binkley that the individual was an active missing person.
According to reports, Binkley was placed on administrative leave from Springfield City Schools in November 2024 and again in January 2025, before being fired in February 2025.
Court records show Binkley has pleaded not guilty to the charge. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 30. The Springfield Police Department and Springfield City Schools have not yet commented.