King accused of lying in missing toddler case

Boyfriend charged with obstruction

Steven King II appears in Toledo Municipal Court with attorney Pete Rost, left, on Tuesday. He was charged with obstructing justice in the disappearance of 19-month-old Elaina Steinfurth.

A man accused of lying to police during the investigation of a missing East Toledo toddler remained in the Lucas County jail Tuesday.

Steven King II, 23, of 704 Federal St. is charged with one count of obstructing justice and, during arraignment in Toledo Municipal Court, was ordered to be held in lieu of $250,000 bond.

Mr. King is the estranged boyfriend of Angela Steinfurth, the mother of missing Elaina Steinfurth.

Mr. King’s attorney, Pete Rost, argued in court that the recommended bond was too high because, although it's a “possibly violent case,” Mr. King is facing a “nonviolent charge.”

Judge Timothy Kuhlman, noting the seriousness of the case and the allegations, opted to accept the recommended bond.

Police allege that Mr. King provided investigators with false information during the ongoing investigation. Officials said they determined he lied after they reviewed video and paperwork.

Ms. Steinfurth, 25, also is being held in the county jail, in lieu of $100,0000 bond, on the same charge.

Elaina was reportedly last seen June 2 at the Federal Street home where Ms. Steinfurth stayed the night before.

Police have searched the home numerous times, the surrounding neighborhood, trash cans, and the Maumee River looking for the girl. Groups of volunteers also have fanned out across East Toledo hoping to find Elaina.

Despite the efforts, police either do not know or would not comment on the girl's whereabouts, but said the case is still considered a missing-persons investigation.

Ms. Steinfurth’s stepfather, Richard Schiewe, said he “about went through the ceiling of my bedroom,” when he found out Mr. King was charged by Toledo police. He believes Mr. King knows where the missing girl is.

“I feel better that he’s in jail,” Mr. Schiewe said about Mr. King, though he wants Ms. Steinfurth to be released.

“She doesn't belong there,” he said. “Like I said, she did wrong by not taking that baby to the doctor or not calling 911, that’s what I've said all along. She needs to be punished for that, yes.”

Anyone with information leading to Elaina’s whereabouts could be eligible for a $10,000 reward. Report tips to 1-800-225-5324.

Contact Taylor Dungjen at tdungjen@theblade.com, or 419-724-6054, or on Twitter @taylordungjen.