Missing 16-year-old Ohio teen rescued by FBI at Florida hotel, alleged kidnapper arrested after month-long manhunt

Madison Fields was found in a hotel room near Jacksonville, Florida, after being reported missing on February 16 in Ohio. The suspect was identified as a Tennessee man named Negron, according to Fox News. Investigators also found that the suspect was linked to a separate potential kidnapping in 2024, where the local district attorney did not press charges.

The victim, from Colerain Township, Ohio, was located after investigators were able to identify Negron. A search warrant of Negron’s Tennessee home was executed, which found he had already fled, but law enforcement was able to track him to Palatka, Florida. The victim was found in a nearby hotel room.

Negron faces pending charges, and evidence in the case remains under review.

The FBI applauded the arrest for being its second successful apprehension of an alleged child sexual abuser in one week. In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel praised the operation, saying that protecting children is a top priority for the bureau.

"This case is the best of the FBI working with our great local partners: Acting quickly, using elite technology capabilities, and deploying the best of the best tactical units to find the alleged kidnapper and very likely save a young girl’s life," Patel said. "Protecting kids against violent criminals has been a top priority of this FBI from the start, and day after day our teams continue to get it done all across this country. Our Cincinnati, Nashville, and Jacksonville field offices working with local partners – as well as our incredible Hostage Rescue Team – all did outstanding work in this case and no doubt saved lives."