UPDATE -- Silence has been broken.

The family of a Miamisburg man being detained by North Korea just released a statement.

We first told you on Friday that 56-year-old Jeffrey Edward Fowle was being held in North Korea after he left a bible in his hotel room.

Jeffrey Fowle's wife walked silently into her attorney's office Monday afternoon moments before he gave this statement:

"Mrs Fowle and the children miss Jeffrey very much, and are anxious for his return home," said Tim Tepe, the family's attorney.

Tim Tepe also released a photo of Jeffrey and his family, including his wife of 14 years, Tatyana, also known as Tanya, and his three kids, 12-year-old Alex, 10-year-old Chris and 9-year-old Stephanie.

Jeffrey and his family have been on many people's minds since the news broke Friday afternoon.

"God bless you, and I'm praying that he be returned home safely to his family," said Beverly Pyle, Miami Township resident.

Jeffrey was taken into custody by the North Korean government last month, accused of breaking the laws of the republic by leaving a bible in his hotel room.

His attorney tells us Jeffrey wasn't there on a mission for his church, Urbancrest Baptist Church in Lebanon, but was simply on vacation and stopping in North Korea was part of the tour.

"Jeffrey loved to travel, he loves the adventure of experiencing different cultures and seeing new places," said Tepe.

Jeffrey's wife thanked the Swedish Embassy for their efforts to help him and bring him home safely.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey and his family remain in the thoughts and prayers of those here in the states.

"Stay strong, and these times are crazy but God can still work miracles," said Pyle.

And the Fowle family appreciates them.

"The family would also like to thank those from around the world who have offered their support during this very difficult time," said Tepe.

Jeffrey Fowle was also a long-time employee for the City of Moraine.

At this time, his family has asked that we respect their privacy.


Earlier:

MIAMISBURG -- An attorney for the Fowle family released a short statement to the media about Jeffrey Fowle's detention in North Korea.

Attorney Timothy Tepe says 56-year-old Jeffrey Fowle was in North Korea on vacation as part of a tour group. Fowle loves to travel and experience different cultures and places.

Tepe's statement says Jeffrey's family -- his wife Tanya, and three children, Alex (12), Chris (10) and Stephanie (9) -- miss him very much and are eager for this return home.

"The Fowle family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Swedish Embassy for their continuing efforts on Jeff's behalf," the statement reads. "The family would also like to thank those from around the world who have offered their support during this difficult time."

The United States relies on other nations' embassies when dealing with North Korean affairs because the U.S. does not maintain direct relations with the North Korean government.

Tepe says the Fowle family is requesting privacy in the days to come.

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