Former Springfield science teacher Jobe Binkley, 48, was charged with one count of interference with custody after a missing underage girl was found at his home 263 days after running away from a Columbus youth shelter. Investigators allege officers had previously visited Binkley’s house twice while searching for the teen and were refused entry. Binkley has pleaded not guilty; a pretrial hearing is set for Sept. 30. Local authorities and the school district did not immediately comment.
Former Ohio Teacher Charged After Missing Teen Found At His Home 263 Days Later
Former Ohio teacher charged after missing teen found at his home 263 days later: reports
Jobe Binkley, a 48-year-old former Springfield high school science teacher, has been charged after investigators say a missing underage girl was found living at his home after 263 days on the run.
Prosecutors charged Binkley with one count of interference with custody, a first-degree misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine, according to a criminal complaint obtained by news outlets.
The girl reportedly ran away from a Columbus youth shelter on Dec. 2, 2025, and was located at Binkley’s Springfield residence on Aug. 21 after investigators identified the home as her last known location. An officer assigned as an agent of the U.S. Marshal’s Office went to the address; Binkley told the officer the teen was inside and called for her to come outside, which she did.
"He spoke with the resident owner, Jobe Binkley, who stated the juvenile was inside. He called for the juvenile, and they exited the home," the probable cause affidavit states.
According to the affidavit and reporting, investigators also allege officers visited Binkley’s home on two earlier occasions while the teen was missing. During those prior visits, Binkley allegedly refused officers permission to enter and told them the juvenile was not there, despite being informed she was an active missing person.
Local reporting identified Binkley as the girl’s former high school science teacher. The New York Post reported he was placed on administrative leave from Springfield City Schools in November 2024 and again in January 2025 and was subsequently fired the following month.
Chelsi Warner, the mother of the victim’s half-sister, told The New York Post she believes Binkley groomed the teen after meeting her at school, alleging he took advantage of a young person who was seeking a parental figure. These claims are reported allegations and have not been proven in court.
Binkley has pleaded not guilty to the charge. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30, according to court records. The Springfield Police Department and Springfield City Schools did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
What Happens Next
The misdemeanor charge of interference with custody will proceed through the local court system. If convicted, the statutory penalties include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Additional investigations or charges could emerge depending on ongoing inquiries by local and federal authorities.
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