Florida Leads Historic Child Recovery Operation, Rescues 163 Children Across Five Continents

Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that a coordinated multi-agency operation recovered 163 children ranging in age from 2 months to 17 years across five continents. Operation Statewide Shield, conducted over five days in mid-August, marks Florida’s first statewide child-recovery initiative and represents the largest operation of its kind in the state’s history.

The rescued children had been subjected to various forms of harm, including abandonment, neglect, abuse and trafficking. Law enforcement officials from federal and international agencies worked in coordination with state authorities to locate and retrieve the missing minors, many of whom had been victimized by predators targeting vulnerable populations.

Recovered children were transported to support hubs where social services workers, child welfare professionals, medical providers and victim advocates provided immediate assistance. Some children were reunited with families while others entered foster care, with all cases subsequently closed through the Missing and Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse.

Three men have been arrested in connection with the operation. Michael Prescott was taken into custody August 21 by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on charges including three counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, felony battery and aggravated assault. Robert Ferral Allison was arrested August 20 by Lee County Sheriff’s Office on charges of lewd and lascivious battery involving a victim aged 12 to 16. Jayden Allen Harwood faces charges of interference in child custody and resisting officers without violence.

Children were recovered across eight U.S. states and Puerto Rico, including Florida, Alabama, California, Ohio, New York, North Carolina and Tennessee. International recoveries occurred in Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain and Taiwan.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement directed the operation using strategies developed through previous initiatives including Operation Dragon Eye and Operation Home for the Holidays. Multiple state agencies participated, including the Office of Statewide Prosecution, Department of Children and Families, and Department of Juvenile Justice, along with 13 county sheriff’s offices.

Uthmeier’s office indicated that additional investigations have commenced and further arrests are anticipated as the operation continues its efforts to identify and prosecute child predators.