CLEVELAND — On Friday, the U.S. Marshals Service Missing Child Unit (USMS MCU) and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) were able to locate and recover Elena Kalvitz, 8, an endangered and missing child from Henry County.
The child was recovered safe in the 3400 block of W. 95th St. in Cleveland after a search began Thursday afternoon.
The HCSO initiated an investigation after the child was ordered into the care of Henry County Job and Family Services Thursday. The HCSO was able to determine the child was taken by her parents, Gregory Kalvitz, 43, and Jessica L. Downing, 32, and possibly fled to the Cleveland area. Warrants were issued in Napoleon Municipal Court for both Downing and Kalvitz, charging them with interference with custody. There was a high level of concern for the child’s safety following outbursts from Kalvitz in court and a suspected homemade meth lab was reportedly found at their residence by the sheriff’s office. The USMS MCU began assisting the HCSO early Friday morning and were able to recover Elena and arrest Downing and Kalvitz. Downing and Kalvitz will be booked in jail in Cleveland, and Elena Kalvitz will be returned to the care of Henry County Job & Family Services.
“I could not be prouder of the swift, diligent work of our team and local partners,” said U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott. “This case is a prime example of why strong relationships with our local law enforcement agencies is so important. This young child was recovered safely and removed from a potentially dangerous situation because of it.”
“I couldn’t agree more of the cooperation between the agencies involved and thank the Marshals for the swift action,” stated Henry County Sheriff Michael Bodenbender. “I will sleep much better tonight, knowing the child is safe, and Greg Kalvitz and Jessica Downing are in custody. I would also like to thank Ohio BCI&I along with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office for their instrumental help with this case and investigation.”
(Information courtesy of U.S. Marshals Service Missing Child Unit.)
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