U.S. Marshals found a missing child last week in Olympia’s “The Jungle” homeless encampment, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service.
The girl was reported missing from Mesa, Arizona, in May.
According to the release, U.S. Marshals began investigating on June 18 after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC reported that the child may have been sex trafficked in Washington state.
The investigation led federal law enforcement to a 20-acre homeless encampment in the 3200 block of Martin Way East. The encampment, located between Martin Way and Pacific Avenue, is commonly referred to by local citizens and city officials as “The Jungle.”
On June 25, U.S. Marshals and officers with the state Department of Corrections found the girl and safely delivered her to the state Department of Children, Youth and Families and the Olympia Police Department, according to the release.
“Protecting our nation’s children is of the highest importance,” Donrien Stephens, acting U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Washington, said in the release. “The excellent investigative efforts, collaboration, and persistence of our local, state, and community partners lead to the safe recovery of a youth with an elevated risk of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.”
The release did not say whether any arrests had been made, nor did it disclose any information about possible suspects.
The City of Olympia announced in May that a regional effort to close the encampment had begun. A final date of closure has not been set.
According to the city’s website, the team leading the Encampment Transition Plan is composed of representatives from Olympia, Lacey, Thurston County, Interfaith Works, Family Support Center, Olympic Health & Recovery Services and Intercity Transit.
