By Drew Dixon
A statewide operation involving the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service ended with the rescue of 22 children who were missing.
Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Monday the children were recovered as part of an investigation called “Operation Home for the Holidays.” The investigation spanned vast areas of Florida, including Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers, and extended into nine other states.
“Thanks to one of the single largest child-rescue operations in U.S. history, 122 missing children are safe,” said Uthmeier. “This operation highlights the strength and diligence of Florida’s Law Enforcement. I am deeply grateful for everyone that made Operation Home for the Holidays a massive success. Many of these kids have been victimized in unspeakable ways. We will prosecute their abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation took place in two weeks and ended with the recovery of the missing youth. Some 57 were located in the Tampa area, 14 in Orlando, 22 in Jacksonville, and 29 in Fort Myers. The children’s ages ranged from 23 months to 17 years. A news release said several of the victims had experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation and exposure to criminal activity. Six people were charged with felonies in the investigation.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was also involved in the operation.
“Operation Home for the Holidays is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with urgency and shared purpose to recover Florida’s most vulnerable children,” said DCF Secretary Taylor N. Hatch. “Under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ leadership, DCF continues to seize opportunities to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to maximize our impact — this time, bringing more than 120 children to safety.”
Victim advocates and child welfare professionals coordinated information with law enforcement agents to help lead to the reported missing children.
“The United States Marshals Service is proud to stand with our partners across the state of Florida in pursuit of the safety and welfare of our children,” said U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida Bill Berger. “This operation was built based upon the wants and needs of our communities. We are honored to play a leading role in answering those calls.”
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