Missing Rochester Girl Found in Chicago Suburb with Two Men

A 13-year-old girl from Rochester, New York, who had been reported missing earlier this month, was located on September 20, 2024, in Blue Island, Illinois, according to officials. The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed the girl was rescued from an apartment complex after being missing for nine days.

The teenager disappeared on September 11 after leaving her home in Rochester. Surveillance footage showed her meeting three adult men and getting into a light-colored SUV. Authorities believe the men drove about 10 hours to pick her up.

The Rochester Police Department began the initial investigation and, on September 16, requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service in the Western District of New York. Investigators later determined the girl had traveled more than 500 miles to the Chicago area.

On September 20, with help from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, U.S. Marshals located the missing girl in an apartment on West 119th Street in Blue Island. She was found with an 18-year-old man and his 49-year-old father. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that both men are in the country illegally.

Authorities said the girl had been in online communication with the 18-year-old prior to leaving her home. Officials also reported that another teenage girl was discovered in the apartment, and efforts are underway to identify her.

The two men are currently being held on immigration violations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has not yet filed formal charges, and officials have not released the names of the men. Authorities also have not revealed which social media platform was used to contact the 13-year-old.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working to determine if additional suspects are involved.