Found Safe OH - Katarina Bitterman, 17, Parma, 4 March 2017 *Arrest*

[darring21]

So, is it illegal to runaway at 17? If so, then she committed an offense (running away) that caused public inconvenience.

He could be charged with harboring a runaway or interference with custody.... provided she was cooperative with everything.

 

[darring21]

Hmmm. After some research: "In most jurisdictions it is not a crime to runaway from home, except in 9 states ( Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming). In these jurisdictions it is considered a “status offense”, which means it is against the law only when someone under 18 years old does it."

Granted the above was written in 2005 but I believe it is still the case.

http://www.americanbar.org/content/..._practice_area_e_newsletter_home/runaway.html

That's similar to what I found, too. There is something in Ohio called an "unruly child" that may be applied. It looks like a pretty gray area, though.

"An unruly child in Ohio is considered to be any child under the age of 18 who does not submit to the control and authority of his parents or legal guardian. He could also be unruly if he is habitually truant from school. Children are legally required to attend school. A child who disobeys his parent or guardian by running away from home would be an unruly child under of Ohio law."

 

[perfectingpink]

I wonder if this charge will actually be brought. I think, as a parent, I would not be against my child being charged to ensure she understood the consequences of her actions. I wouldn't say the same for a younger teen but for a 17 year old, I think this is what I would do. Of course, there are many other factors to take into account, also so I am just going to say I am thankful my children are older now!

 

[IllinoisMissing]

My guess is there is more going on in the family dynamic and ultimately any charges will be dismissed. Perhaps it is felt the family needs counseling and this is one way to force that issue.

Getting LE to put in resources for a runaway is often impossible. This kind of thing just makes it more difficult to get LEs attention for kids that are truly in danger.

JMO



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[JerseyGirl]

At the very least, she should get community service!

 

[bellyup]

I have to say I'm shocked and after over 20 years of following these cases, that's not easy to do.

There was nothing in early reports that made it seem like LE and the FBI thought this was a runaway case. All her friends seemed to think not. I did get a vibe of something off with the parents (weird tension) but WOW. I totally didn't see this coming.

And according to this http://www.wkyc.com/mb/news/local/c...ucing-panic-after-being-found-safe-/422116933 they're ALL in Massachusetts now.

I wonder if Kat is refusing to come home.

 

[msphilosopher]

Very interesting to read this... *rambling post...*

It's funny how your first inkling about a case can change with a little bit more details, people speaking out and evidence speculated only to find your very first inking was right.

I always felt something was off with this family... my very first inkling was she left voluntary but I gave her the benefit of doubt.

I felt the parents were controlling, she didn't answer her phone two hours later so alarms were raised, she didn't have Facebook (maybe not her choice), the only photos release were school photos that was odd, the school photos seemed odd too (like a different time period), the lack of any birthday celebration from friends or family was odd, and the only interest mentioned was cosmetology based on a school project wasn't convincing, and the persona depicted didn't seem to indicate someone who loved cosmetology... I have many friends in cosmetology and its obvious to an outsider that's their interest (I mentioned this in a previous post).

Individually, these things don't make the family seem off, it was all of them collectively which gave me a weird feeling.

The inkling that she went voluntary was diluted with the BF, friends, and parents testimonies that she was very responsible and always followed the rules...

Maybe she snapped and tried to free herself from all the rules and potentially controlling parents.

I guess we learned that she isn't responsible after all. Although, I feel for her because I think something led her to leave like that. Either she didn't think or maybe she did think but just hoped she'd never be found.

Stay safe, Kat:heartbeat:

 

[Mercedes]

NewsNet5.com is reporting that both teens were charged with inducing/inciting a panic because LE needed a charge to hold them on. Also said that any further charges would be brought in Ohio and/or Mass.

 

[msphilosopher]

NewsNet5.com is reporting that both teens were charged with inducing/inciting a panic because LE needed a charge to hold them on. Also said that any further charges would be brought in Ohio and/or Mass.

Yes, Massachusetts LE needed a charge in order to hold them.

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-...atarina-bitterman-charged-with-inducing-panic

 

[Gardenista]

Yes, Massachusetts LE needed a charge in order to hold them.

http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-...atarina-bitterman-charged-with-inducing-panic

Facebook posts time stamped on Wednesday, March 8 revealed that at least some people were aware that Bitterman might be in Massachusetts as early as Wednesday, the day before a search was conducted in Cleveland Metroparks West Creek Reservation.

A person who was identified as a family member told News 5 they were messaged on Wednesday about Bitterman's possible whereabouts in Massachusetts.

Parma police and the FBI told News 5 that information, if true, was never given to them.

"Any information that she was in Salem, Massachusetts prior to Friday evening when the FBI agents there in Boston found her there, that was never relayed to the Parma Police Department," Capt. Riley said.

 

[Rachel1]

Well at least the truth is out and she can begin to move forward with her life now.
At least we got the truth because so often we do not. ( Sarah Dunsey)

 

[alk]

Maybe the 'inducing panic' stems from just that: she induced panic with the family, community, FBI and local Police. If she simply wanted to run away she could have left a note that stated simply "I'm running away" - I think what may have public and LE (and I can't speak for anyone but myself so please understand this is just my opinion and I'm new to this forum so bear with me) upset is that it appeared she could have been abducted. It was an odd puzzle she left behind for the FBI/LE/Family/Community/Strangers/Friends to try and decipher: dogs left outside in 28° weather, no clothes packed, ID and house key taken, phone left behind. Some have posted in FB Forums on the local news channels that she 'staged' a disappearance, and I think that's where the community 'hurt' is stemming from - we didn't even know this young girl and we were all worried sick and banding together to find her. I'm only about 15 min away from Parma and friends of mine and I were planning to go assist in the search. I mean I actually joined WebSleuths in an effort to do all I can just to help Katarina (I'd never heard of this website before that day she went missing). People in that neighborhood and neighboring communities were scared, keeping their kids at a closer/watched eye, as we all do when something like that happens so close to home (and many of us do regardless). Accusations were flying around locally about the RSO's living on her street and area surrounding her...I mean truly, 'locally' - it's been a hot mess of worry and accusations. I'm not sure what the stats are 'now' but in 2015 Ohio was #4 in Sex Trafficking - so our minds were all over the place in worry for this young girl. Not long ago, just a few weeks ago, a girl (Alianna DeFreeze here is a link to her devastating story) went missing in between bus stops in Cleveland...that poor 14 year old girl was found brutally murdered in an abandoned home. That tragedy that happened just 15 min from Parma and is all too fresh in our minds. Not to say that it wouldn't have hit home regardless, but I think with that having recently happened we all feared the worst. No one knows at this time what she (Katarina) was thinking, or why...and we may never know. She's technically a 'minor' so I would imagine the details of the investigation will be treated as such and not much will be revealed. What we can all agree on, I'm sure, is that we are happy to know she is safe - because too many of these stories have a tragic ending. Maturity level of a 17 year old is case by case...maybe she didn't realize it would escalate to this? Some kids don't think anyone would care if they disappear, some don't care if people would care, etc etc. When it comes to a missing child communities band together, friends, families, classmates, strangers...regardless the legal definition or Webster's definition - people were in a state of panic and worry. As far as them 'charging' her - this article alludes they "needed a reason to hold them"...maybe inducing panic is all they had to go on - maybe there are reasons they are trying to hold on to Katarina and the unnamed 19 year old (which....he's an adult - curiosity is overwhelming locally that they won't release his name - yet another piece to this bizarre puzzle). Again, I'm new to posting in forums - but I wanted to give a 'local glimpse' of what I've seen and felt through this - and I want to thank each of you - near and far - for caring about this young girl and for all your input and love and concern for her. I'm blessed to have found all of you and I'll commit to paying attention to this website and all the 'good' each of you are trying to do with the best intentions.

[FONT=&quot]According to Parma Police captain Kevin Riley, both Bitterman and the 19-year-old man were charged with inducing panic because law enforcement needed a reason to hold them. If the 19-year-old is charged further, the charges would likely be separate in both Massachusetts and Ohio.
[/FONT]NEWS LINK TO ABOVE QUOTE HERE:
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-...atarina-bitterman-charged-with-inducing-panic

 

[Mainemom76]

Very interesting to read this... *rambling post...*

It's funny how your first inkling about a case can change with a little bit more details, people speaking out and evidence speculated only to find your very first inking was right.

I always felt something was off with this family... my very first inkling was she left voluntary but I gave her the benefit of doubt.

I felt the parents were controlling, she didn't answer her phone two hours later so alarms were raised, she didn't have Facebook (maybe not her choice), the only photos release were school photos that was odd, the school photos seemed odd too (like a different time period), the lack of any birthday celebration from friends or family was odd, and the only interest mentioned was cosmetology based on a school project wasn't convincing, and the persona depicted didn't seem to indicate someone who loved cosmetology... I have many friends in cosmetology and its obvious to an outsider that's their interest (I mentioned this in a previous post).

Individually, these things don't make the family seem off, it was all of them collectively which gave me a weird feeling.

The inkling that she went voluntary was diluted with the BF, friends, and parents testimonies that she was very responsible and always followed the rules...

Maybe she snapped and tried to free herself from all the rules and potentially controlling parents.

I guess we learned that she isn't responsible after all. Although, I feel for her because I think something led her to leave like that. Either she didn't think or maybe she did think but just hoped she'd never be found.

Stay safe, Kat:heartbeat:

How did they end up finding her?

 

[msphilosopher]

How did they end up finding her?

They don't specifically mention how they knew where she was but they said Pharma FBI called Massachusetts FBI to go to the specific home.

I am guessing a digital footprint since they revealed they met online and she left voluntary.

 

[monkeypants]

After authorities found a teenage girl who was reported missing from Parma earlier this month, officials tell WKYC the 17-year-old is now facing charges for inducing panic.

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/cuya...ucing-panic-after-being-found-safe-/422116933

I'm very happy to see this. It's very justified IMO. Many resources were expended.

 

[Gardenista]

I'm good with them charging them as long as they've done the same with every missing person.

 

[jns207]

Maybe the 'inducing panic' stems from just that: she induced panic with the family, community, FBI and local Police. If she simply wanted to run away she could have left a note that stated simply "I'm running away" - I think what may have public and LE (and I can't speak for anyone but myself so please understand this is just my opinion and I'm new to this forum so bear with me) upset is that it appeared she could have been abducted. It was an odd puzzle she left behind for the FBI/LE/Family/Community/Strangers/Friends to try and decipher: dogs left outside in 28° weather, no clothes packed, ID and house key taken, phone left behind. Some have posted in FB Forums on the local news channels that she 'staged' a disappearance, and I think that's where the community 'hurt' is stemming from - we didn't even know this young girl and we were all worried sick and banding together to find her. I'm only about 15 min away from Parma and friends of mine and I were planning to go assist in the search. I mean I actually joined WebSleuths in an effort to do all I can just to help Katarina (I'd never heard of this website before that day she went missing). People in that neighborhood and neighboring communities were scared, keeping their kids at a closer/watched eye, as we all do when something like that happens so close to home (and many of us do regardless). Accusations were flying around locally about the RSO's living on her street and area surrounding her...I mean truly, 'locally' - it's been a hot mess of worry and accusations. I'm not sure what the stats are 'now' but in 2015 Ohio was #4 in Sex Trafficking - so our minds were all over the place in worry for this young girl. Not long ago, just a few weeks ago, a girl (Alianna DeFreeze here is a link to her devastating story) went missing in between bus stops in Cleveland...that poor 14 year old girl was found brutally murdered in an abandoned home. That tragedy that happened just 15 min from Parma and is all too fresh in our minds. Not to say that it wouldn't have hit home regardless, but I think with that having recently happened we all feared the worst. No one knows at this time what she (Katarina) was thinking, or why...and we may never know. She's technically a 'minor' so I would imagine the details of the investigation will be treated as such and not much will be revealed. What we can all agree on, I'm sure, is that we are happy to know she is safe - because too many of these stories have a tragic ending. Maturity level of a 17 year old is case by case...maybe she didn't realize it would escalate to this? Some kids don't think anyone would care if they disappear, some don't care if people would care, etc etc. When it comes to a missing child communities band together, friends, families, classmates, strangers...regardless the legal definition or Webster's definition - people were in a state of panic and worry. As far as them 'charging' her - this article alludes they "needed a reason to hold them"...maybe inducing panic is all they had to go on - maybe there are reasons they are trying to hold on to Katarina and the unnamed 19 year old (which....he's an adult - curiosity is overwhelming locally that they won't release his name - yet another piece to this bizarre puzzle). Again, I'm new to posting in forums - but I wanted to give a 'local glimpse' of what I've seen and felt through this - and I want to thank each of you - near and far - for caring about this young girl and for all your input and love and concern for her. I'm blessed to have found all of you and I'll commit to paying attention to this website and all the 'good' each of you are trying to do with the best intentions.

[FONT=&quot]According to Parma Police captain Kevin Riley, both Bitterman and the 19-year-old man were charged with inducing panic because law enforcement needed a reason to hold them. If the 19-year-old is charged further, the charges would likely be separate in both Massachusetts and Ohio.
[/FONT]NEWS LINK TO ABOVE QUOTE HERE:
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-...atarina-bitterman-charged-with-inducing-panic

I didn't feel as though pressing the "thank" button was sufficient. Your post gave me a very helpful glimpse of the local atmosphere. Thank you for sharing and I do hope you stick around now that you have found us!


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[msphilosopher]

Maybe the 'inducing panic' stems from just that: she induced panic with the family, community, FBI and local Police. If she simply wanted to run away she could have left a note that stated simply "I'm running away" - I think what may have public and LE (and I can't speak for anyone but myself so please understand this is just my opinion and I'm new to this forum so bear with me) upset is that it appeared she could have been abducted. It was an odd puzzle she left behind for the FBI/LE/Family/Community/Strangers/Friends to try and decipher: dogs left outside in 28° weather, no clothes packed, ID and house key taken, phone left behind. Some have posted in FB Forums on the local news channels that she 'staged' a disappearance, and I think that's where the community 'hurt' is stemming from - we didn't even know this young girl and we were all worried sick and banding together to find her. I'm only about 15 min away from Parma and friends of mine and I were planning to go assist in the search. I mean I actually joined WebSleuths in an effort to do all I can just to help Katarina (I'd never heard of this website before that day she went missing). People in that neighborhood and neighboring communities were scared, keeping their kids at a closer/watched eye, as we all do when something like that happens so close to home (and many of us do regardless). Accusations were flying around locally about the RSO's living on her street and area surrounding her...I mean truly, 'locally' - it's been a hot mess of worry and accusations. I'm not sure what the stats are 'now' but in 2015 Ohio was #4 in Sex Trafficking - so our minds were all over the place in worry for this young girl. Not long ago, just a few weeks ago, a girl (Alianna DeFreeze here is a link to her devastating story) went missing in between bus stops in Cleveland...that poor 14 year old girl was found brutally murdered in an abandoned home. That tragedy that happened just 15 min from Parma and is all too fresh in our minds. Not to say that it wouldn't have hit home regardless, but I think with that having recently happened we all feared the worst. No one knows at this time what she (Katarina) was thinking, or why...and we may never know. She's technically a 'minor' so I would imagine the details of the investigation will be treated as such and not much will be revealed. What we can all agree on, I'm sure, is that we are happy to know she is safe - because too many of these stories have a tragic ending. Maturity level of a 17 year old is case by case...maybe she didn't realize it would escalate to this? Some kids don't think anyone would care if they disappear, some don't care if people would care, etc etc. When it comes to a missing child communities band together, friends, families, classmates, strangers...regardless the legal definition or Webster's definition - people were in a state of panic and worry. As far as them 'charging' her - this article alludes they "needed a reason to hold them"...maybe inducing panic is all they had to go on - maybe there are reasons they are trying to hold on to Katarina and the unnamed 19 year old (which....he's an adult - curiosity is overwhelming locally that they won't release his name - yet another piece to this bizarre puzzle). Again, I'm new to posting in forums - but I wanted to give a 'local glimpse' of what I've seen and felt through this - and I want to thank each of you - near and far - for caring about this young girl and for all your input and love and concern for her. I'm blessed to have found all of you and I'll commit to paying attention to this website and all the 'good' each of you are trying to do with the best intentions.

[FONT=&amp]According to Parma Police captain Kevin Riley, both Bitterman and the 19-year-old man were charged with inducing panic because law enforcement needed a reason to hold them. If the 19-year-old is charged further, the charges would likely be separate in both Massachusetts and Ohio.
[/FONT]NEWS LINK TO ABOVE QUOTE HERE:
http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-...atarina-bitterman-charged-with-inducing-panic

:welcome: and thank you for your insight. I believe you're absolutely right... I would be extremely hurt if I spent a day or days participating in ground searches for this girl. But at the end of the day, it's what we ALL were hoping, that she did leave intentionally and was safe. I don't think anyone hoped she met foul play.

It's the best outcome this case could have had. Although, that doesn't come without some hurt and trauma for those searching for her.

I hope you stay around and help with some other cases!

PS - Using paragraphs for long posts is much easier on the eyes. I went crosseyed and started to get a headache reading your post haha.

 

[jns207]

I'm good with them charging them as long as they've done the same with every missing person.

This is all JMO, but I have to wonder whether the fact that they don't do the same with every missing person in terms of expenditure of resources is influencing a different response in terms of criminal charges.


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[Gardenista]

This is all JMO, but I have to wonder whether the fact that they don't do the same with every missing person in terms of expenditure of resources is influencing a different response in terms of criminal charges.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not sure, but I can't ever remember seeing this charge before. If they are going to do it, they should do it on all voluntarily missing people.