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(Tampa, FL) - Thanks to the U.S. Marshals, Florida law enforcement has conducted the most successful critically missing child recovery operation in American History.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says 20 agencies involving more than 100 people helped bring the children to safety in just two weeks.
U.S. Marshal for the middle district of Florida, William Berger, says Operation DRAGON EYE recovered 60 missing kids ages 9-17 from Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
The USMS defines "critically missing" children as those at risk of crimes of violence or those with other elevated risk factors such as substance abuse, sexual exploitation, crime exposure, or domestic violence.
"Operation DRAGON EYE was much more than a U.S. Marshals Service operation; it was a community initiative" provided U.S. Marshals Service Deputy in Charge Mario Price.
Operation Dragon Eye also resulted in the arrest of eight adults for human trafficking and interference with child custody.
"The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is a committed partner in recovering missing children and ensuring their wellbeing." according to Dr. Katherine Gomez, Director of Human Trafficking Intervention, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, and DRAGON EYE Operations Officer.
Recovered children are receiving medical resources, nourishment, social services, and child advocates to assist them through this difficult time.