Florida Operation Leads to Recovery of Missing Children, Arrests of Perpetrators

Crackdown on Exploitation: 60 Children Recovered, 8 Arrested in Florida Sweep

In a sweeping effort to combat child exploitation, authorities recovered 60 critically missing children, some as young as nine years old, during a Florida-based sting known as Operation Dragon Eye. Spearheaded by the United States Marshal Service (USMS), this operation was a coordination between law enforcement agencies at all levels and a multitude of NGOs. “This operation had three primary objectives: recover critically missing youth, provide them with essential services including appropriate placement, and to deter bad actors exploiting missing child vulnerabilities.” Additionally, eight perpetrators were arrested, with one being charged with human trafficking. Two other human trafficking cases are under investigation. Other charges include custodial interference, drug possession, and endangerment of a child. Not only did this operation directly locate the children and arrest perpetrators, but it provided them with aftercare and other support. 

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“The unique part of this operation was the fact that underaged critically missing children ranging from age 9 to 17 were not only recovered but were debriefed and provided with physical and psychological care,” said U.S. Marshal William Berger. “This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youth will not return back to the streets to be further victimized.” However, this operation also brought a light to the harsh realities of the epidemic of missing at-risk youths. 

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“Critically missing” children are children whose disappearance includes circumstances of domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, or other violent crimes. Of the 17 boys and 43 girls found, 31% were from the foster system. Many also had been a part of the juvenile justice system. One girl was forced to take drugs after being impregnated by her trafficker. To break the cycles that leave these youths vulnerable to re-victimization, authorities emphasized long-term psychological and social support with the assistance of multiple NGOs and youth and family services,

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Offenders are being held with bail bonds ranging from $250 to no bond. The Florida Attorney General’s office appears dedicated to upholding staunch law and order in these cases. “Horrible. Horrible, horrible, horrible,” described Florida Law Enforcement Commissioner, Mark Glass, “And we should purge those from our society, put them in jail where they belong”. Glass also emphasizes the fact that those involved in the operation experienced a traumatic event and need support as well. Bill Berger, the U.S. Marshal of the Middle District of Florida, is concerned that if not apprehended, the perpetrators will try to reconnect with the victims. He affirms: “They are in my opinion, leeches.” 

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Though the fight against child exploitation is far from over, this is considered the most successful child recovery mission in the history of the United States. 

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Author’s Note: If you have any information regarding children that are missing or in danger, please reach out to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

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