U.S. Marshals discover missing child in Olympia homeless encampment
A child reported missing and endangered from Mesa, Arizona, in May was recently found over 1,000 miles away in a notorious Olympia homeless camp, according to a U.S. Marshals Service press release.
On June 18, U.S. Marshals received notice from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that the girl was potentially a victim of sex trafficking in Washington state, the release said.
An investigation led by a deputy in charge of missing children cases in western Washington brought them to the 3200 block of Martin Way East, an area known colloquially as “The Jungle.”
The 20-acre homeless encampment is known for high rates of violence and community safety concerns, the release said.
U.S. Marshals and officers from the Washington State Department of Corrections canvassed the area on Friday and safely located the child. Authorities turned her over to the Washington State Department of Children Youth and Families and the Olympia Police Department to receive treatment.
No arrests have been made at this time in relation to the case, Deputy U.S. Marshal Thorin Fash told The News Tribune.
This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 2:20 PM with the headline "U.S. Marshals discover missing child in Olympia homeless encampment."
