Ohio Teen Missing 263 Days Discovered Living at Former Teacher’s Home
A 17-year-old who vanished for 263 days was found alive at the residence of former Springfield science teacher Jobe Binkley, who has been charged with interference with custody.
After disappearing from the Huckleberry House shelter in Columbus on Dec. 2, 2025, a 17-year-old Ohio teen was discovered alive at the home of Jobe Binkley, a former Springfield City School District science teacher. Family members, including Chelsi Warner, had long suspected Binkley and provided police with photos of the girl inside his house, but investigators said evidence was insufficient until a U.S. Marshals special task force entered the property on Aug. 21.
Binkley was arrested and charged with one count of interference with custody, a first-degree misdemeanor, and released on bond while pleading not guilty. Warner claims Binkley began grooming the teen when they met at school two years ago, exploiting the girl's troubled relationship with her mother. The teacher had faced prior allegations of inappropriate conduct, was placed on administrative leave twice, and was ultimately dismissed for violating district technology policy. Springfield Police have not commented, and the school district says it was unaware of any allegations involving the runaway teen.
Why it matters
The case underscores gaps in protecting vulnerable youth and challenges in prosecuting grooming offenses.
In this story
