Attorney General James Uthmeier and U.S. Marshal William Berger have announced the successful rescue of 60 missing children in Central Florida. This operation, named Operation Dragon Eye, took place in the Tampa Bay Area and resulted in the arrest of eight individuals, one of whom faces charges related to human trafficking.
Attorney General Uthmeier emphasized the importance of law enforcement's role in this mission, stating, "The real heroes behind this operation are the law enforcement who built and executed this mission. As your Attorney General and a father of three young kids, protecting children is my top priority." He added a stern warning for those who exploit children: "If you victimize children, you're going to prison, end of story."
U.S. Marshal William Berger highlighted the unique aspects of the operation: "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." The operation also included follow-up assistance to prevent further victimization.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass noted the significance of rescuing 60 children: "60 kids saved. That number sends the message that Florida will never be a safe place for traffickers." He reaffirmed FDLE's commitment to continuing their efforts on behalf of vulnerable individuals.
Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch praised collaborative efforts under Governor DeSantis' leadership: "Under the steadfast leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Children and Families remains unrelenting when it comes to the protection, safety, and well-being of some of the most vulnerable Floridians – our children."
Operation Dragon Eye involved cooperation from 20 agencies led by the U.S. Marshal's Office with legal support from Attorney General Uthmeier's Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP). The OSP is leading prosecution efforts with assistance from State Attorneys in two judicial circuits. Special Counsel Rita Peters will handle one human trafficking case while two others remain under investigation.
Charges against defendants include human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession, and drug trafficking.