A teenage girl who had been missing for 263 days was found alive at the home of her former science teacher in Ohio. The 17-year-old, who was 16 when she ran away on December 2, 2025, was discovered on August 21 at the residence of Jobe Binkley, 48.
Binkley, a former teacher in the Springfield City School District, was arrested and charged with interference with custody, a first-degree misdemeanor. He pleaded not guilty and was released on bond.
According to officials, U.S. Marshals arrived at Binkley's home on August 21. Binkley initially acknowledged the teen was inside but refused to allow officers entry on two previous occasions when they visited the residence while searching for the girl. He reportedly told officers the girl was not present despite being informed she was a missing person.
Chelsi Warner, the mother of the victim's half-sister, told The New York Post that Binkley groomed the teen after they met at school two years prior. Warner described the situation as "absolutely disgusting" and stated that the teen was "groomed and brainwashed" by Binkley, who exploited her difficult home life.
The teen had previously run away from home last year. She had gone missing from Huckleberry House, a youth crisis shelter and social services organization in Columbus, Ohio.
Binkley was placed on administrative leave by the Springfield City School District in November 2024 after concerns were raised about his professional interactions with students. He was placed on leave again in January 2025 and subsequently fired in February 2025 for violating district policy concerning technology use.
Former Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien indicated that Binkley could face additional charges as the investigation progresses. Evidence from Binkley's and the teen's phones, along with the teen's statements to investigators, may be examined. O'Brien noted that interference with custody is often an initial charge when an adult allegedly takes advantage of a minor, but additional charges may require the cooperation of the minor.