163 missing children found

In the US state of Florida, 163 children were located as part of 'Operation State Shield,' an initiative aimed at finding missing children. Florida Chief of Staff James Uthmeier announced that the children, ranging in age from 2 months to 17 years, have been placed under protective custody.

The operation was announced as one of the most comprehensive efforts to date to locate children in Florida. According to officials, law enforcement units reached the locations where the missing children were found using information obtained from intelligence and field operations.

The highest number of children was recorded in Tampa Bay, where 46 children were found. In other regions, 41 children were located in Miami, 32 in Jacksonville, 21 in Orlando, 12 in Fort Myers, 8 in Pensacola, and 3 in Tallahassee.

Officials reported that the children were identified not only in Florida but also across 6 different US states, one US territory, and a total of 12 countries. These countries include Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Italy, and Jamaica.

These children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve.

CHILDREN TAKEN TO SUPPORT CENTERS

It was stated that some of the children found had been subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other criminal activities. The children were taken to centers supported by social workers, child welfare experts, healthcare providers, and victim advocates.

Following the recovery of the children, it was reported that the MEPIC files at the Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse were closed. Custody processes have been taken over by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

It was reported that numerous individuals were taken into custody as part of the operation, and further arrests may be made in the coming days. It was announced that the suspects include Michael Corey Prescott, Robert Ferral Allison, and Jayden Allen Harwood.

It was stated that Prescott was arrested on a warrant for three counts of sexual assault against a minor, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and interference with child custody. It was reported that Allison is facing charges of sexual assault and battery against a victim aged 12 to 16, while Harwood is facing charges of interference with child custody and resisting an officer with violence.

The operation was led by Rita Peters, Special Advisor on Human Trafficking for the Office of the Attorney General. Officials stated that the effort was planned based on experience gained from previous similar operations. In the 2025 'Operation Dragon Eye,' 60 missing children were found, and in 'Operation Home for the Holidays,' more than 120 children were located.

News Source: 12punto