U.S. Marshals Recover Missing WV Child, Arrest Fugitive in D.C.

Martinsburg, WV – The U.S. Marshals today recovered a missing West Virginia child in Washington, D.C., and arrested a man wanted in connection with the child's disappearance.

An arrest warrant was issued Monday for Johnte Fitzhugh for felony concealment or removal of a minor child from custodian. As soon as the warrant was issued, the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force in locating Fitzhugh and recovering the missing child.

Upon receipt of this case, task force members quickly developed information that Fitzhugh was in Washington and sent a collateral lead to the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, who arrested Fitzhugh in the 100 block of Wayne Place SE without incident. The missing child was also located and safely recovered a short time later.

"The fact that the fugitive and missing child were located within 24 hours of the issuance of the warrant is a direct result of the relationship we have with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office," said Terry Moore, acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia. "Sheriff Harmon understands our mission and his support of our fugitive task force continues to impact our community in a positive manner."

Since 2015, the U.S. Marshals Service has recovered more than 2,300 missing children. The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 enhanced the U.S. Marshals' authority to assist federal, state and local law enforcement with the recovery of missing, endangered or abducted children, regardless of whether a fugitive or sex offender was involved. The Marshals established a Missing Child Unit to oversee and manage the implementation of its enhanced authority under the act.

Additional information on this case may be obtained from the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office in Martinsburg.