Story perspectives

Florida AG’s Operation Rescues 163 Missing Children in Five Days

8/27/2026

Summary

Uthmeier Rescues

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Operation Statewide Shield rescued 163 missing children in five days.
Children aged two months to 17 were found in Florida, states, Puerto Rico and 12 countries.
Authorities arrested Michael Prescott (Aug. 21), Robert Ferral Allison (Aug. 20) and Jayden Allen Harwood for lewd acts, battery, custody-interference.
FDLE led the task force with the Office of Statewide Prosecution and Rita Peters, placing children in support hubs.

Summary

BayCare Opens Hubs

BayCare Behavioral Health opened seven recovery hubs from Pensacola to Miami, including one at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
The Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund partnered to provide financial and programmatic support for the hubs.
Lyndi Bradley, director at Florida State University College of Social Work, said immediate stabilization is the priority for recovered children.
Experts say limiting repeated interviews helps prevent re-traumatization of children after they are located.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 the U.S. Department of Justice launched Operation Cross Country, rescuing 1,200 child-trafficking victims with FBI support and $3 million from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The 2024 Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Operation Statewide Shield freed 163 children in Florida, Puerto Rico and 12 other nations. Lawmakers responded by earmarking an additional $10 million for the Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund.

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Uthmeier Rescues

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Operation Statewide Shield rescued 163 missing children in five days.
Children aged two months to 17 were found in Florida, states, Puerto Rico and 12 countries.
Authorities arrested Michael Prescott (Aug. 21), Robert Ferral Allison (Aug. 20) and Jayden Allen Harwood for lewd acts, battery, custody-interference.
FDLE led the task force with the Office of Statewide Prosecution and Rita Peters, placing children in support hubs.

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