Missing Ohio Teen Madison Fields Safely Located in Florida Hotel, Suspect in Police Custody

Madison Fields, 16, was reported missing by her family on Feb. 16 and was found safe after a month-long investigation.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:20am

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Madison Fields, a 16-year-old girl from Ohio, was reported missing by her family on February 16. After a month-long investigation, authorities located her safely in a Florida hotel, and a suspect has been taken into custody.

Why it matters

The safe recovery of a missing teenager is always a relief for the community, and this case highlights the importance of thorough police investigations and cooperation between law enforcement agencies across state lines.

The details

Authorities from the FBI Cincinnati, the Colerain Police Department, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation announced that they had identified a suspect in Madison's disappearance. The suspect had fled his home before the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team could arrive, but law enforcement was able to track him to a Florida hotel where they found Madison safe.

  • Madison Fields was reported missing by her family on February 16.
  • On March 12, authorities announced that Madison had been safely located.
  • The suspect was taken into custody in Florida, but has not yet been officially charged.

The players

Madison Fields

A 16-year-old girl from Ohio who was reported missing by her family on February 16 and was later found safe in a Florida hotel.

FBI Cincinnati

The local office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation that assisted in the investigation and recovery of Madison Fields.

Colerain Police Department

The local police department in Ohio that was involved in the investigation into Madison Fields' disappearance.

Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation

The state-level law enforcement agency that collaborated with other agencies to locate Madison Fields.

Suspect

An individual who was taken into custody in connection with Madison Fields' disappearance, but has not yet been officially charged.

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What they’re saying

“We are thankful Madison is safe and will soon be back in Ohio.”

— Jason Cromartie, FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge (People.com)

“We are all relieved that Madison has been safely located.”

— Edwin C. Cordie III, Colerain Police Chief (People.com)

“He said he didn't even know what part of Florida she was in, but that Madison was safe at this time. You can imagine her family and friends can't wait to get Madison back home to Cincinnati.”

— Alexis Thompson, Friend of the Fields family (People.com)

What’s next

The suspect has been taken into custody, but has not yet been officially charged. The authorities will likely continue their investigation and determine whether to file charges against the suspect.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough police investigations and cooperation between law enforcement agencies across state lines in locating missing persons. The safe recovery of Madison Fields is a relief for the community and a testament to the dedication of the law enforcement teams involved.