Press Releases

Missing Child: Levontay Johnson
April 5, 2008

Each year, more than 700,000 children are abducted from their homes – taken from the security and love of their families and placed in the path of harm’s way. And of that number, more than 200,000 are taken by people they know – people they trust, but people who would do them harm.

Three year old Levontay JuMaron Johnnson has become one of the latest added to that list – a little boy who made his home in Northhampton County, Virginia, just a few weeks ago. But authorities believe his mother abducted him after a supervised visitation, and brought him to Hendry County, where they think he’s being kept.

Authorities say Levontay’s mom arrived in Virginia in the early morning hours of March 8th, demanding to pick up her son. Police were called, and a few days later, Cleo Rhodes was granted a one hour supervised visitation at the Department of Social Services. But at the end of that one hour, Rhodes and her companions snatched Levontay and took off. It’s now been three weeks since Levontay has been able to sleep in his own bed – or be able to play with his three siblings.

Officials in both Virginia and Florida believe Levontay is here in Southwest Florida, most likely in the Labelle or Clewiston area. They fear for his safety, as court documents indicate that Cleo Rhodes has a history of abusing and neglecting her other children. After staying with his mom last year, documents show Levontay was returned to his dad malnourished, injured and smelling of urine and feces.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is now assisting with the search for little Levontay Johnson, and is asking for the public’s help in finding him.

Both police and family members don’t want to see Levontay just disappear and become another statistic – another little boy taken from his home, only to be neglected and abused by someone who doesn’t have his best interests in mind. So if you’ve seen Levontay, or his mother Cleo Rhodes, all you need to do is pick up the phone and let us know where they are.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Levontay JuMaron Johnson or his mother Cleo Rhodes is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous, and will be eligible for up to $1,000 in cash rewards.