MISSING GIRL, 17, FOUND ALIVE INSIDE HOME OF FORMER TEACHER 263 DAYS AFTER SHE VANISHED

Her family had repeatedly urged police to investigate the former science teacher’s home. Months later, U.S. Marshals finally found the teenager inside.

A 17-year-old Ohio schoolgirl who had been missing for 263 days has been found alive inside the home of a former science teacher who had previously been accused of inappropriate conduct with students.

The teenager disappeared after leaving a crisis shelter in Columbus, Ohio, on December 2, according to reports.

For months, her family repeatedly raised concerns about Jobe Binkley, 48, a former science teacher whom they said had developed a relationship with the girl after meeting her at school.

Then, on August 21, authorities finally entered Binkley’s home.

The missing teenager was found alive inside.

FAMILY HAD REPEATEDLY WARNED POLICE

The teenager’s relatives say they had repeatedly asked police to investigate Binkley’s home during the lengthy search.

Chelsi Warner, the mother of the girl’s half-sister, told the New York Post that the family had even provided photographs they said showed the teenager inside Binkley’s home.

Some of the photographs allegedly showed the girl holding firearms.

Warner accused Binkley of taking advantage of the teenager’s difficult relationship with her mother and described the situation as an alleged grooming relationship.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Family members said they were frustrated after being told there was insufficient evidence for authorities to take action.

SHE HAD DISAPPEARED BEFORE

According to the family, the teenager had previously been reported missing and was later found staying at Binkley’s home.

That history intensified their concerns when she disappeared again in December.

But despite their warnings, Binkley reportedly denied police entry to his home on two occasions during the search.

The breakthrough eventually came when a U.S. Marshals task force entered the property on August 21.

The teenager was found inside and brought to safety.

FORMER TEACHER ARRESTED

Binkley was arrested and charged with interference with custody, a first-degree misdemeanor.

He has since been released on bond and has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors have reportedly expressed frustration that more serious charges cannot currently be pursued without the teenager’s cooperation.

Binkley has previously faced allegations involving inappropriate conduct with students.

He was placed on administrative leave by Springfield City School District in 2014 and again in early 2015 before being fired in February 2015 for a breach of the district’s technology policy, according to The Sun.

QUESTIONS REMAIN

The teenager’s discovery has brought an end to a months-long search, but serious questions remain about what happened during the 263 days she was missing — and whether earlier warnings could have led authorities to her sooner.

For her family, the most important development is that the teenager was ultimately found alive.

But the investigation into Binkley and his relationship with the girl continues, with prosecutors now facing the difficult question of what additional charges, if any, can legally be brought.

Binkley remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

After 263 days of uncertainty, a missing teenager was finally found — inside the very home her family had repeatedly warned authorities about.