Florida Human Trafficking Sting Rescues 163 Missing Children

We unfortunately live in a world where child abduction occurs on a daily basis, with some stats even narrowing it down to every 40 seconds. However, the state of Florida recently made successful efforts in reversing those odds thanks to a human trafficking sting operation that rescued hundreds of children.

Through the work of Operation Statewide Shield, a reported 163 children between the ages of two months and 17 years old were safely recovered after experiencing the unthinkable to various extents.

The announcement came last week (Aug. 25) as Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier proudly commended the law enforcement agencies who came together across the state to pull off the feat in a historic five-day operation. “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,” Uthmeier confirmed, continuing the praise by adding, “Florida will continue leading the recovery of missing children, hunting down every predator, and prosecuting abusers to the fullest extent of the law.”

As it broke down city by city, 46 children were taken to safety in the Tampa Bay region, 41 rescued in Miami, 32 found in Jacksonville, 21 in Orlando, 12 in Fort Myers, eight in Pensacola and three within the Tallahassee region. In addition to the Sunshine State, rescues also expanded into Alabama, California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Puerto Rico. Internationally, they even saw success with operations in Canada, Brazil, Jamaica, Colombia, Dominica, Mexico, Taiwan, Guatemala, Finland, Spain, Ghana and Italy.

More on this groundbreaking human trafficking sting below, via WFLA:

“Uthmeier said many of the children rescued had experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation and were exposed to criminal activity including human trafficking. The children were transported to “designated recovery hubs” where they received support services from child welfare professionals, medical providers, and victim advocates.

Multiple arrests have been made so far in the operation, and there are related investigations still active across the state.”

Three suspects, who were immediately apprehended, include 42-year-old Michael Prescott of Jacksonville, 29-year-old Robert Allison of Cape Coral and 18-year-old Jayden Harwood of Jacksonville Beach. Their charges range from aggravated assault and interference with the custody of a child to lewd and lascivious battery of a victim between the ages of 12 and 16.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said it best in the press release: “Operation Statewide Shield demonstrates the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment shared by all participating agencies and organizations to achieve a singular mission: find our kids and bring them home.”