An Ohio teenager who had been missing for nearly nine months was found at the home of a former teacher in Springfield, Clark County, according to local authorities. The 17-year-old vanished on December 2, 2025, triggering an extensive search that lasted 263 days. She was finally located on August 21 by an agent from the U.S. Marshal’s Office, who tracked her down at an address in Springfield. Jobe Binkley, a 48-year-old property owner, has been arrested on one count of interference with custody. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge, as noted in court and jail records obtained by The Independent. According to the records, Binkley admitted to authorities that the girl was inside his property and called for her to come out. However, during two prior visits, law enforcement had been denied entry to the address. Binkley had claimed the girl was not there, even after being informed she was a missing person. The records indicate that Binkley is a former teacher who worked with the Springfield City School District. He was placed on administrative leave in November 2024 due to concerns about his professional interactions with students, though those claims were later deemed unsubstantiated by the district. He was placed on leave again in January 2025 and eventually fired in February for violating policies related to the use of technology. It remains unclear whether Binkley had ever taught the teenager. Authorities are now reviewing Binkley’s and the teenager’s cell phones as part of the investigation, and the former teacher could face additional charges. Ron O’Brien, a former Franklin County prosecutor, told ABC 6 that interference with custody is often the initial charge in such cases, but more serious charges may follow if evidence supports them. “Sometimes you really need the cooperation of the minor to do that,” O’Brien said, explaining that the teenager’s willingness to provide information can vary. A pre-trial hearing for Binkley has been scheduled for later this month. Neighbors of the home where the teenager was found have expressed concern. Danielle Flint, who lives nearby, told The Independent that she had seen Facebook posts suggesting the girl was at the address. “I’ve tried to peek around here and see if I can catch her, you know, in the back or maybe out of the house at night, but I had never seen her,” Flint said. “I would literally lose every piece of me if that was one of my girls.” The Springfield City School District has been contacted for further comment, but no response has been provided yet.