Police Find 163 Missing Children in Major Operation

A five-day police operation led by authorities in Florida found 163 children who had been reported missing. The children ranged in age from two months to 17 years.

The operation, called Statewide Shield, extended beyond Florida and reached locations across the United States and 13 other countries. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said some of the children had run away from home, while others had been abandoned, neglected or abused. Some had become victims of human trafficking.

“Many of these children have fallen victim to those who prey on the most vulnerable,” Uthmeier said.

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Many of these children have fallen victim to those who prey on the most vulnerable.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the operation, and authorities expect more arrests. After they were found, the children were taken to specialized centers, where social workers, child-welfare experts and health-care staff received them.

Some children were reunited with their families, while others were placed in foster care. Florida law-enforcement and child-protection agencies worked with numerous partners during the operation. Uthmeier called it the largest operation of its kind in Florida’s history.

“Florida will continue to lead the search for missing children, pursue every abuser and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

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Florida will continue to lead the search for missing children, pursue every abuser and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.