WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A teen has been missing from a Dearborn Heights facility for more than a month. Here’s everything we know as the search for Tasia Keaton continues.
When did Tasia Keaton go missing?
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Tasia Keaton, 16, has been missing since March 14, 2025, and police say there is information that suggests she might be being sex trafficked.
The teen, who has a history of running away and being sexually assaulted, ran away from the Vista Maria facility for vulnerable youth in Dearborn Heights.
| Tasia Keaton | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet, 2 inches |
| Weight | 130 pounds |
| Eyes | Blue |
| Hair | Brown, but she is known to change the color and cut it short |
Sources say man brought Tasia to hotel
Multiple sources told Local 4 that Tasia ran away from the facility with a 12-year-old girl with cognitive delays.
After that, a man in a dark sedan picked the girls up and brought them to a nearby hotel, where he allegedly gave them alcohol and drugs.
Sources said that this man, “John,” tried to sexually assault the 12-year-old girl, but Tasia took the abuse instead.
The 12-year-old is safe, but Dearborn Heights police Chief Ahmed Haidar said they believe Keaton has been sexually assaulted at least two times since she went missing on March 14.
Surveillance video captures teen on March 17
On March 17, the teen was spotted on surveillance video at the Marathon gas station at the corner of Beech Daly and Joy Road in Dearborn Heights.
The teen was also known to be in the Detroit area on Stout Street, but since that gas station sighting, there haven’t been any other sightings of the teen or any contact with family.
She also hasn’t been active on social media, and police fear that she’s possibly being held against her will.
Family pleads for Tasia’s safe return
Tasia’s family said they are praying that Tasia sees how concerned people are for her safety and comes home.
“Her sisters and my mom are worried,” Trisha Wade, Tasia’s aunt, said. “She may not think we care, but we do.”
Aunt discusses Tasia’s past
Wade, who lives in Flint, also discussed the teen’s past and said Tasia is originally from Tennessee and her father was in and out of jail.
Tasia moved in with her aunt after her mom was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor a few years ago.
“Tasia moved in with me in July of 2022 because her mother got worse. She passed away on Thanksgiving in 2022,” Wade said.
At this time in her life, Tasia was 14 years old, and also started to get in fights and kept getting suspended from school.
Teen assaulted by man she met playing video games online
The teen then met a man playing Fortnite online and ended up in Ohio.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office identified this man as 36-year-old Greg Nieman and said he has been charged with grooming and sexually assaulting Tasia.
Police received 368 calls for service at Vista Maria facility in 2024
As the search for Tasia continues, Local 4 has learned about the growing number of calls police have received involving the Vista Maria facility.
“In 2024 alone, we’ve had 368 calls for service at that location,” Haidar said. “These include assault and battery, fights, staff being assaulted, and juveniles out of control. Our officers have used force in some cases, and we’ve seen injuries ranging from fingers to backs and ankles. It’s a major drain on our manpower.”
The chief said the number of calls has increased over the past few years.
“I really don’t know why it’s gotten worse, but it could be staffing issues or hiring unqualified, untrained individuals. I understand they might be taking on more than they can handle,” Haider said.
2 active investigations involving former Vista Maria staff member, teens
Police also confirmed that there are two active investigations involving a former Vista Maria staff member.
Dearborn Heights police and Child Protective Services are investigating a possible assault.
“We received tips about a male staff member potentially involved with juvenile residents,” Haidar confirmed. “There’s a significant age difference, and we’re looking into possible assault.”
Another jurisdiction is also investigating another case, involving that same former staff member and another teen.
Sources tell Local 4 the staff member was terminated after the facility discovered video of the male staff member picking up one of the teenage female residents in his own vehicle.
After that, allegations of sexual assault surfaced.
“We need to get Tasia back, not just for her safety, but to speak with her about what happened,” Haidar said. “If these allegations are true, we will seek a warrant and make sure that individual is held accountable.”
Vista Maria releases statement
“At Vista Maria, the safety and well-being of the youth and families we serve is our top priority.
We alerted police immediately on March 14 when Tasia Keaton left our property and initiated the search for her. We have been working with law enforcement ever since to help ensure her safe return. Our hearts go out to her aunt and the rest of her family during this difficult time.
Vista Maria has a 142-year history of providing trauma-informed care, mental health stabilization, foster care services, and education for youth who have experienced trauma.
Anyone with information about this case should contact Dearborn Heights Police at 313-277-6770, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678."
Vista Maria
Police seek help as search for Tasia continues
Tasia is described as 5′2″, 130 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair, but is known to cut and dye her hair. She could also be carrying a blanket with snowflakes on it and trying to get to the Grand Rapids and Livingston County areas.
Police are seeking assistance from the public in canvassing the area as they continue to search for Tasia.
Supplies will be provided at the police station for anyone interested in spreading information about Tasia’s disappearance.
Anyone with information about where Tasia is or knows anything about her disappearance is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Dearborn Heights Police Department at 1-313-277-6770.
“We’ve gotten tips that are leading us in the right direction. Hopefully, within the next 48 hours, we’ll have something solid,” Haider said. “Crime Stoppers tips are amazing. You can be anonymous. Don’t think your tip isn’t worth calling in. Call. Every tip matters.”
