Florida officials have announced the recovery of 163 missing children during a five-day statewide operation that brought together local, state and federal agencies. The team located children ranging from 2 months to 17 years old. The initiative was named Operation Statewide Shield.
Many of these rescued children had reportedly experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation or human trafficking, according to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office.
Officials released a regional breakdown showing where the children were recovered during the operation. The recovered children were taken to designated recovery hubs where they received medical care and counselling. Additionally, child welfare professionals, victim advocates and social service providers also provided support regarding next steps. The Tampa Bay region accounted for the highest number, followed by Miami and Jacksonville. Authorities did not disclose the exact circumstances under which each child was found or whether all of the children had been missing for the same length of time. He credited the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Office of Statewide Prosecution and local partners for helping return the children to safety. The suspect also had an outstanding warrant for interference with child custody.
Another suspect has been charged with lewd and lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.
Attorney General James Uthmeier, however, said that many of the children had been victimized by people who targeted vulnerable minors. “Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” Uthmeier said. One of the suspects was wanted on three counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, according to state officials.
