The Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Tuesday, August 25th, that the state’s “Operation Statewide Shield,” launched in mid-August, resulted in the rescue of 163 missing children aged between 2 months and 17 years on all five continents within five days, in collaboration with federal and foreign agencies.
Some children were runaways, others were abandoned, neglected, or abused, and some were victims of trafficking. Children were found in various locations such as Florida, Alabama, California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Tennessee. Additionally, children were located in countries including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain, and Taiwan.
Three suspects have been arrested so far.
Michael Prescott was apprehended in Jacksonville, Florida, on August 21st on charges including three counts of indecent acts with minors, one felony battery charge, and one severe assault charge. He was previously wanted for interfering with child custody.
Robert Ferral Allison was arrested in Lee County on August 20th, accused of committing indecent, lascivious, and violent acts against a victim aged 12 to 16.
Jayden Allen Harwood was arrested for allegations of interfering with child custody and non-violent resistance to arrest.
The Attorney General’s office stated that more investigations have been initiated, with expectations of further arrests.
Local law enforcement has transported rescued children to aid centers, where they will receive support from social workers, child welfare professionals, medical service providers, victim advocates, and other organizations.
Some children have been reunited with their families or placed in foster care.
Uthmeier noted that the Missing and Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse has closed the relevant cases.
This operation marks the first statewide child recovery effort in Florida and is the largest of its kind in the state’s history. Uthmeier emphasized that due to the efforts of collaborative partners, “these children have been rescued, are now safe, and receiving the care they deserve.” He underscored Florida’s commitment to leading in the search for missing children, pursuing abusers, and ensuring strict legal consequences.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) coordinated the operation, drawing on the experiences of the U.S. Marshals Service’s “Operation Dragon Eye” and “Operation Home for the Holidays.”
Multiple agencies including the Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP), Department of Children and Families (DCF), Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), as well as various social welfare organizations and 13 sheriff’s offices, collaborated in planning and executing the operation.