U.S. Marshals Find Missing Oklahoma Juvenile in Akron, Ohio

Akron, OH – Earlier today, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Missing Child Unit recovered Shawna Justice (17), a missing endangered juvenile from Oklahoma whose whereabouts have been unknown for ten months. Justice was reported missing to the Woodward County Sheriff's Office in December 2021 and has been missing since. The Akron Police Department and the USMS entered the missing persons investigation last week and recovered Justice this morning in the Kenmore area of Akron, OH. An adult relative of Justice was also arrested on outstanding warrants during the recovery. Further charges are pending investigation. Justice will be kept safe in Summit County until Oklahoma authorities can pick her up.

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, "The speed at which the investigation developed over the last week, and a recovery was able to happen in this case was exceptional. Our officers should be commended for recovering this child swiftly and safe."

Anyone with information on a missing or endangered juvenile is asked to call the U.S. Marshals at 1-866-492-6833. Callers can remain anonymous. Additional information is available through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at missingkids.org.

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Akron Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies: U.S. Marshals Service, Akron Police Department, Barberton Police Department, Bath Township Police Department, Copley Township Police Department, Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, Hudson Police Department, Kent Police Department, New Franklin Police Department, Norton Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Reminderville Police Department, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Tallmadge Police Department, United States Secret Service, University of Akron Police Department, Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.