Share This Article
Article Summary
A routine service call at a Cincinnati gas station led Hamilton County sheriff’s deputies to find a 17-year-old girl reported missing from Houston, Texas. Authorities identified her traveling companion as Brandon McClerkin, a 31-year-old registered sex offender from Texas. McClerkin was arrested and faces charges of interference with custody and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Hamilton County sheriff’s deputies found a missing 17-year-old girl from Houston, Texas, during a routine service call in Cincinnati on Thursday.
The investigation led to the arrest of a 31-year-old registered sex offender from Texas.
The incident began when deputies responded to a report of a female panhandler at a Speedway gas station on Montgomery Road. What initially appeared to be a routine call developed into a multi-state investigation after deputies identified the teenager as a missing person.
Deputies discover missing teenager during service call
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Speedway location at 12006 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati.
During their investigation, deputies encountered the 17-year-old girl and discovered that she had been reported missing from Houston, Texas, on November 1, 2026.
Authorities determined that she was traveling with Brandon McClerkin, 31, a registered sex offender from Texas.
The discovery prompted further investigation involving authorities across state lines to establish the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s disappearance and travel.
Texas man arrested on multiple charges
Deputies arrested McClerkin following the investigation.
According to local news reports, he faces two charges: interference with custody, a fifth-degree felony, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The charges relate to the circumstances involving the missing teenager. However, the allegations remain subject to the criminal justice process.
As of writing, the authorities are yet to establish additional details about how the teenager and McClerkin traveled from Texas to Ohio.
Investigation leads to teenager’s recovery
The discovery highlights how an ordinary service call can uncover information involving missing persons across state lines.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said arrangements would be made to reunite the teenager with her family in Texas.
The investigation involved coordination beyond Hamilton County because the teenager had originally been reported missing in Houston.
FAQs
What charges does Brandon McClerkin face?
McClerkin faces interference with custody, a fifth-degree felony, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
How did Hamilton County deputies discover the missing teenager?
Deputies initially responded to a report of a female panhandler at a Speedway gas station. Their investigation led them to identify the teenager as someone reported missing in Texas.
Why did the Cincinnati investigation involve multiple states?
The investigation involved multiple states because the teenager had been reported missing in Houston, Texas, but was located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Authorities needed to coordinate across jurisdictions to investigate the circumstances.



