One hundred and sixty-three missing children, including dozens in the Miami region, were located during what Florida officials described as “one of the largest child-recovery operations in American history.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducted Operation Statewide Shield from Aug. 17 to 21, with the goal of discovering and recovering missing children under 18.The youngsters varied in age from two months to seventeen years old, and many had been subjected to various forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to other criminal activity, according to authorities.
The vulnerable youngsters who were saved included:
- 46 in the Tampa Bay region
- 41 in Miami
- 32 in Jacksonville
- 21 in Orlando
- 12 in Fort Myers
- 8 in Pensacola
- 3 in the Tallahassee region
The operation resulted in the discovery of unknown children in six states, one US territory, and 12 nations, according to the FDLE.Local law enforcement securely transported recovered children in need of assistance to designated recovery hubs, where they got support from social services, child welfare specialists, medical providers, victim advocates, and other kid-centered resources,” officials stated.
According to the FDLE, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office are handling three felony prosecutions as a result of the operation.
The latest announcement did not provide any information on potential arrests.
“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” Uthmeier says in the press release. “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they need. Florida will continue to lead the recovery of missing children, tracking down every predator, and prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.
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