Advertisement Family of Ohio man detained in N. Korea speaks out for first time Source: Man left Bible in hotel room Share Shares Copy Link Copy

The family of the Ohio man who was detained in North Korea is speaking out for the first time."Fifty-six-year-old Jeffrey Fowle, beloved husband of Tanya for 14 years and father of three incredible children: Alex, 12, Chris 10, Stephanie 9, was traveling to North Korea on vacation as part of a tour," Fowle’s attorney, Tim Tepe, read in a statement Monday.Watch this storyTepe said Fowle was a tourist and not on a mission for his church, Urbancrest Baptist, in Lebanon."Jeffrey loves to travel and loves the adventure of experiencing different cultures and seeing new places," Tepe said.The Miamisburg man has been detained in the communist country since mid-May, according to a Japanese news agency.North Korean authorities will only say Fowle is accused of committing acts inconsistent with a tourist visit.Fowle was detained after allegedly leaving a bible in his hotel room.Fowle's wife, Tanya Fowle, joined Tepe at his Lebanon office as he read a statement, but the two would not take any questions."The Fowle family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the Swedish Embassy for their continuing efforts on Jeff's behalf. The family would also like to thank those from around the world who have offered their support during this very difficult time," Tepe said.People at Urbancrest Baptist Church were also remaining tight-lipped about the situation."Mrs. Fowle and the children miss Jeffrey very much and are anxious for his return home,” Tepe said.A spokeswoman for the State Department did not say whether Sweden -- which handles matters for Americans in North Korea -- had been granted access to Fowle.He was the third U.S. citizen to be detained in North Korea since 2012.