A missing Arizona girl believed to be sex trafficked was found nearly 1,500 miles away from home at a notorious encampment in Washington last week, according to the US Marshals.
The investigation was prompted when authorities received a tip on June 18 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that reported the child was last seen in Olympia, Washington and may potentially be a victim of sex trafficking, according to KING 5.
Authorities were able to gather additional information that helped narrow down their search to an area known as “The Jungle,” a 20-acre homeless encampment in Olympia.
The location is riddled with crime and violence, according to KOMO News — the outlet reported back in 2023 about missing 37-year-old woman whose body was later found stuffed in a suitcase at the encampment.
Between 100 to 250 people live at The Jungle, KOMO reported citing city officials, noting that the number fluctuates throughout the year as people constantly come and go.
The child, who was reported missing from Mesa, Arizona, was found on Thursday after authorities scoured the compound that is filled with trash and debris.
“Protecting our nation’s children is of the highest importance,” said Donrien Stephens, acting US Marshal for the Western District of Washington, according to the outlet. “The excellent investigative efforts, collaboration, and persistence of our local, state, and community partners led to the safe recovery of a youth with an elevated risk of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.”
It’s not clear how the girl went missing and no arrests have been made, according to The Olympian.
The California Post reached out to the US Marshal’s office for additional information.
The child is now in the custody of the Olympia Police Department and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families.
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