Endangered Missing Henry County Girl Found Safe in Cleveland

Cleveland, OH – Earlier today 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, OH. The child was recovered safe in the 3400 block of W 95th St. in Cleveland after a search began yesterday afternoon. 

The HCSO initiated this investigation after the child was ordered into the care of Henry County Job and Family Services yesterday. The HCSO was able to determine the child was taken by her mother and father, Gregory Kalvitz (43) and Jessica Lynn Downing (32) and possibly fled to the Cleveland, Ohio area. Warrants were issued in Henry County 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 Gregory Kalvitz in Court and a suspected homemade meth lab was found at their residence by HCSO. The USMS MCU began assisting the HCSO early this morning and were able to recover Elena and arrest Downing and Kalvitz. Downing and Kalvitz will be booked in jail in Cleveland, OH and Elena Kalvitz will be returned to the care of Henry Co. JFC (Job & Family Services). 

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “I could not be prouder of the swift, diligent work of our team and local partners. 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.”

Henry County Sheriff Michael Bodenbender stated, “I couldn’t agree more of the cooperation between the agencies involved and thank the Marshals for the swift action. 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.”

Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Cleveland Division is composed of the following federal, state and local agencies:  U.S. Marshals Service, Cleveland Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department, Euclid Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Independence Police Department, Parma Police Department, Aurora Police Department, Solon Police Department, Cleveland RTA Police Department, Westlake Police Department, Bedford Police Department, Middleburg Heights Police Department, Newburgh Heights Police Department and the Metrohealth Police Department.