January 5, 2024 Press Release from the Lima Police Department:

On Thursday, December 28, 2023, Officers from the Lima Police Department were dispatched to an address on Mandolin Dr., Lima, Ohio 45801 in reference to a runaway report. After the initial report was written, it was soon realized that there were more layers to this story.

LPD Investigators, Detectives, Agents from BCI and the FBI worked tirelessly to track down leads by conducting interviews, perform house checks, review surveillance videos, check cell phone and online records all in an attempt to locate the juvenile, Makayla Buckner. LPD Investigative personnel along with the FBI were able to gain information the missing female could possibly be with an online male acquaintance from Marion County, Florida. Through multi-jurisdictional cooperation, Florida law enforcement officials were able to track down Thomas Ebersole (31) at his residence in Marion County. The missing Lima juvenile was located inside Thomas’ residence. Buckner was found to be in good health and unharmed. She was taken into custody by local law enforcement for her safety until arrangements could be made for her transport back to Lima.

Law enforcement officials discovered Thomas and Buckner struck up a relationship while playing World of Warcraft, then the communication moved to the Discord App. Thomas made the 14 hour trip to Lima to pick up the juvenile, then made the 14 hour trip back to Marion County with the juvenile. Thomas is facing multiple felony charges in the state of Florida and the juvenile is expected to be back in Lima reunited with her family sometime today.

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The Lima Police Department is grateful for all law enforcement agencies and all law enforcement officers who assisted in the safe return of this juvenile female.