Federal and local authorities safely recovered two missing teenagers in a Cleveland apartment late Wednesday, capping a month-long hunt that began when the girls escaped a foster home in Toledo.
The minors, aged 17 and 15, were discovered on the 1200 block of West 25th Street by members of the United States Marshals’ SPEAR Unit (Specialized Personnel for Enforcement, Apprehension, and Recovery). The Toledo Police Department reported both girls missing on July 10, 2026, and collaborated with federal partners after determining the kids may have traveled to Cleveland with an adult male.
When law enforcement came, there were two adult men at the residence. Officers apprehended Carlos Bruton, 42, on the spot.
Bruton was already out on bond in Cuyahoga County on active charges of unlawful sexual contact with a minor and interference with custody. A second man, 30, was held while local police investigated possible crimes.
Officers searched the flat and discovered a firearm along with drug paraphernalia.
The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, the FBI, the Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General, and various municipal police departments collaborated on the investigation.
“Cases like this are among the most important cases we work on,” U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in a statement. “Missing children are vulnerable to individuals who want to hurt them and exploit them for deceitful and damaging purposes. We will continue to work across Ohio and the country to protect the safety of our children.”
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force encourages anybody with information regarding wanted fugitives to call 1-866-4WANTED or submit an online report. Callers may remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward.
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