Nonprofit supporting missing Camp Pendleton marine’s family says he’s been located
Video above: Sharie Finn, founder of the RAD Movement, appeared on NewsNation affiliate KSWB to discuss her nonprofit organization’s search for Marine Corporal Charles Alex Benfield.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Marine Cpl. Charles Alex Benfield, who was reported missing from Southern California’s Camp Pendleton roughly two weeks ago, has been found, according to a nonprofit group that’s been supporting his family during their search.
In a social media post Sunday afternoon, The RAD Movement said Benfield has officially been located and recovered. The group also noted, he’s “receiving the help he needs.”
Prior to his disappearance, Benfield was detained in downtown San Diego for public intoxication and was later released on Sunday, April 14 from the McAlister Institute Recovery and Bridge Center.
Shortly after, a communications director for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, to which Benfield belongs, made a statement announcing Benfield “did not report for duty the morning of April 15 following weekend liberty in the San Diego area.”
The Marine Corps requested the assistance of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service because he was an active duty servicemember.
In an update Wednesday, April 24, a public affairs specialist for NCIS confirmed Benfield was successfully contacted by law enforcement on Saturday, April 20. The official said Benfield “was
reported to be safe and is no longer considered a missing person.”
Despite this, The RAD Movement continued working with and supporting Benfield’s family. Founder Sharie Finn said Benfield was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol; however, his command and his family, along with her organization, had not heard from him directly at that point.
On Sunday, the nonprofit group said NCIS has been notified that the Marine has officially been located and is safe.
No further updates have been released by NCIS or the Marine Corps at time of publication.