A 17‑year‑old Ohio teenager who had been missing since December 2, 2025, was located on August 21 at a Springfield, Clark County address. Authorities said the girl was found by a U.S. Marshal’s Office agent after a nearly nine‑month search.
The property owner, 48‑year‑old Jobe Binkley, was arrested on one count of interference with custody and has pleaded not guilty. Binkley admitted the teenager was inside his home and urged her to leave when confronted by an officer. Earlier visits to the address were denied, with Binkley claiming the girl was not present despite being notified of her missing status.
Binkley is a former teacher for the Springfield City School District. He was placed on administrative leave in November 2024 after concerns about his interactions with students, which the district later ruled unsubstantiated. He was placed on leave again in January 2025 and fired in February for violating technology‑use policy. It is unclear whether he ever taught the missing teenager.
Investigators may examine Binkley’s and the teenager’s cell phones, and the ex‑teacher could face additional charges. A pre‑trial hearing for Binkley is scheduled later this month. A neighbor reported seeing Facebook posts suggesting the teen was at the location, and she expressed concern about the situation. The Springfield City School District has been asked for further comment.
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