TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies, 60 missing children were successfully rescued in Central Florida as part of Operation Dragon Eye. The operation, which took place in the Tampa Bay Area, resulted in the arrest of eight defendants. Charges include human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking.
Attorney General James Uthmeier highlighted the dedication of law enforcement personnel involved in the mission. “The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission,” he stated. Uthmeier emphasized his commitment to child protection by saying, “If you victimize children, you’re going to prison, end of story.”
U.S. Marshal William Berger noted the importance of providing care for the recovered children. “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,” he said.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass praised the efforts made to ensure Florida remains unsafe for traffickers: “60 kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers.”
Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch expressed gratitude towards those involved in safeguarding vulnerable Floridians: “Under the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis…DCF is proud to work alongside its federal, state, and local partners in this united mission.”
Operation Dragon Eye was led by the U.S. Marshal’s Office with legal support from Attorney General Uthmeier’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP). Prosecuting authority lies with OSP along with assistance from State Attorneys from Sixth and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits.
Special Counsel Rita Peters is set to prosecute one human trafficking case while two others remain under investigation.
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