One hundred and sixty-three missing children, including dozens in the Miami area, were found in what officials called “one of the largest child-recovery operations in American history.”
Operation Statewide Shield took place from Aug. 17 to 21 in efforts that “focused on identifying, locating, and recovering missing children under the age of 18,” according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
“The children ranged in age from 2 months to 17 years old, and many had experienced various levels of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to other criminal activity,” authorities said in a news release.
The vulnerable youth that were rescued 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 also led to an unknown number of other children being found in six states, one U.S. territory and 12 countries, FDLE said.
“Recovered children needing assistance were safely transported by local law enforcement to designated recovery hubs, where they received support from social services, child welfare professionals, medical providers, victim advocates, and other child-centered resources,” officials said.
According to FDEL, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office are taking on three felony cases as a result of the operation.
“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” Uthmeier is quoted in the news release. “Thanks to the outstanding work of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve. Florida will continue leading the recovery of missing children, hunting down every predator, and prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”