Florida operation recovers 163 missing children

(The Center Square) – Florida authorities rescued 163 children in what state officials are calling the largest child recovery initiative in state history, Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday.

The victims’ ages range from 2 months to 17 years old. Law enforcement officers made multiple arrests during the five-day operation, and many investigations remain ongoing with more arrests expected, the attorney general said.

“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” said Uthmeier. “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.”

Sub-operations were located in Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Miami. There were 46 children rescued in Tampa Bay, 41 children rescued in Miami, 32 children saved in Jacksonville, 21 recovered in Orlando, 12 saved in Fort Myers, 8 children rescued in Pensacola, and 3 in Tallahassee.

Other operations took place in multiple states including Alabama, Tennessee, California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, and Puerto Rico. It also spanned outside of the U.S. in Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, and Taiwan, according to the attorney general’s office.

“The success of Operation Statewide Shield reaffirms what partnership can accomplish when government, faith organizations, not for profits, and the private sector come together, share their strengths and use their collective expertise to protect children across this state,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Assistant Secretary Jonathan Stephens. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Department will continue to foster opportunities to collaborate with local and state partners to maximize our impact.”

Among those arrested was a defendant wanted on three counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and had a warrant for interference with child custody. Another person arrested was wanted for lewd and lascivious battery on a victim between 12 and 16 years old. More arrests will happen over the coming days, Uthmeier said.

“The results of this combined law-enforcement operation should make one thing very clear: Florida will never tolerate you harming our children,” said Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Hillsborough. “To every sick person in this society who even tries it, if you think you got away with it you should keep looking over your shoulder every second of your life because we’re coming, and we will never rest in order to protect our children and their futures.”

This story originally appeared on thecentersquare.com.