A 16-year-old who had been reported missing after running away from a transitional living house in Columbus on Dec. 2, 2025, was found living at the Springfield, Ohio, home of former teacher Jobe Binkley on Aug. 21, 2026, authorities say. Police allege Binkley concealed the teen from law enforcement while she was an active missing person.
Charges and Court Status
According to a criminal complaint filed in Clark County Municipal Court on Aug. 27, 2026, Binkley, 48, was charged with one count of interference with custody, a first-degree misdemeanor. Court records show he pleaded not guilty and has been released on bond. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2026.
Allegations and Police Activity
Authorities say a U.S. Marshals Service officer visited Binkley’s home on Aug. 21, 2026, and that Binkley acknowledged the teen was inside and called for her to come out. The probable-cause affidavit further alleges officers had visited the residence on two earlier occasions while searching for the girl; on those visits, Binkley reportedly denied them entry and told investigators the teen wasn’t there despite being told she was an active missing person.
Home of Jobe Binkley in Springfield, OhioCredit: WSYX ABC 6
Background And Employment History
Binkley previously taught in the Springfield City School District. Local reporting and district records indicate he was placed on administrative leave in November 2024 after concerns were raised about his professional interactions with students; those complaints were later deemed unsubstantiated by the district. He was placed on leave again in January 2025 and was terminated in February 2025 for violating a district technology-use policy.
Family, Neighbors And Ongoing Questions
Family members and police conducted a months-long search for the teenager after she ran away from the Columbus transitional living house. Neighbors say there had been rumors the teen was staying at Binkley’s home. Danielle Flint, who lives two doors down from the property where the juvenile was found, told ABC 6 she had tried to spot the girl but never saw her outside and described how agonizing the months of uncertainty must have been for the family.
“For nine months not being able to find your baby. Is she dead? Is she alive? Is she okay? Cannot imagine,” Flint said.
It remains unclear how Binkley and the teen knew one another or whether he had ever been her teacher. Springfield City Schools told local reporters it did not learn of allegations involving the 16-year-old until after Binkley was no longer employed by the district. Police and Binkley’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment from PEOPLE and local outlets.
Investigation Status
The criminal complaint and local news reports form the basis of the allegations; investigators have not released additional details about how the teen came to live in Binkley’s home or whether further charges may be filed. The case remains under investigation and legal proceedings are pending.
