Jorge “JoJo” Morales’ recovery is a story of perseverance and hope.
A 6-year-old South Florida boy named Jorge “JoJo” Morales, who had been missing since August, has been found.
The youth was located in Canada, about 2,000 miles from his home in Miami-Dade County, Florida, according to authorities.
According to Miami-Dade police, the young man was found unharmed and in good health.
Jojo, who has autism, disappeared on August 27 when his father, Jorge Gabriel Martinez, violated the terms of a custody arrangement by refusing to return him to his mother.
In late August, when Jojo did not return home, Yanet Leal Concepcion, Jojo’s mother, visited her ex-husband. She found herself thoroughly cleaned.
Everything disappeared. His apartment was empty, she claimed. His phone was off. His mother’s phone was inactive.
A missing child notice was issued and the FBI offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Jojo’s location.
Surveillance footage located Jojo and Martinez in Maine days after his disappearance.
Up to $10,000 will be offered as a reward for information leading to the rehabilitation and return of Jorge “Jojo” Morales. Contact us at (754) 703-2000 or on Twitter at xm8ISwpO7q. https://t.co/Zisako6gId Maybe in eastern Canada or Maine. pic.twitter.com/53OXgn4gyO
— FBI Miami October 18, 2022 (@FBIMiamiFL) “We finally realized they were in Canada at this time. That was based on some sniffer dogs and then we started putting the pieces of the puzzle together,” according to Private Investigator Joe Carrillo.
More than 200 people were arrested in the “biggest” raid in Ohio and 10 missing children were later found. Nearly 40 missing minors have been found by US Marshals after a sex-trafficking raid in Georgia. In New Orleans, 18 sex offenders were arrested and eight missing at-risk children were found. However, Concepcion heard virtually little for two months until a tip surfaced that Martinez and Jojo had recently been seen shopping at a Walmart in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
October 30, 2022, Miami-Dade Police (@MiamiDadePD) “Somebody called and somebody said something and I’m so thankful for that person because it just took,” Concepcion added. “People wanted to help, so they spread the word and spread the word.”
“I’ve never been so happy,” she cried. “The moment I hold him, it’ll be even better. Nothing comes close to it; I’ve never felt such joy. I feel so grateful right now I don’t know what to say.”
Concepcion expressed her happiness that her son is largely unaware of what happened.
“It’s a trauma, so I’m glad my son doesn’t realize what’s going on. I was able to talk to him and let him know I’m anxiously awaiting your return from vacation, darling! He just said, ‘Yes, Mummy.’
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrested Martinez and his mother, Lilliam Pena Morales.
The story ends happily, thank God. We appreciate everyone who helped and those who noticed Jojo and reached out! You prevented that boy from dying.
Jojo’s recovery is a testament to the power of hope and the importance of coming together as a community to support those in need. It’s a reminder that we can all make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small. As we celebrate Jojo’s recovery, let’s not forget the many other children who are still missing and need our help.