Florida Operation Recovers 163 Missing Children in Largest Statewide Effort in State History

Florida authorities have recovered 163 missing children through Operation Statewide Shield, a five-day, multi-agency effort described as the first statewide child recovery operation and the largest of its kind in Florida history.

The children ranged in age from just 2 months to 17 years old. Recovery efforts were conducted through regional operations in Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers and Miami.

Tampa Bay had the largest number of recoveries with 46 children, followed by Miami with 41, Jacksonville with 32, Orlando with 21, Fort Myers with 12, Pensacola with eight and Tallahassee with three.

The operation also extended beyond Florida, with authorities recovering children across six other states, Puerto Rico and 12 foreign countries, including Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominica, Finland, Ghana, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Spain and Taiwan.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement led the effort alongside Special Counsel for Human Trafficking Rita Peters and numerous state, local and federal partners. Investigators relied on real-time intelligence and field operations to locate children who had been reported missing.

Authorities said many of the recovered children had experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation or exposure to other criminal activity, including human trafficking. Officials emphasized that missing children cases can involve a variety of circumstances, including custody disputes, abuse, neglect, running away and exploitation.

Three arrests have been announced in connection with the operation.

Michael Prescott was arrested Aug. 21 by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He faces three counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, felony battery and aggravated assault. Authorities said Prescott also had an active warrant for interference with child custody.

Robert Ferral Allison was arrested Aug. 20 by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and charged with lewd and lascivious battery involving a victim between 12 and 16 years old.

Jayden Allen Harwood was reportedly arrested on charges of interference in a child custody case and resisting an officer without violence.

After being located, the children were taken to specialized recovery hubs where they received access to medical care, social services, child welfare professionals and victim advocates.

Attorney General James Uthmeier said investigations remain active as authorities work to identify others connected to criminal activity involving the recovered children. Officials said additional arrests are expected as investigations continue.

For those involved in Operation Statewide Shield, the mission extended beyond locating missing children. Authorities emphasized that each recovery represents an individual child who now has an opportunity to receive safety, care and support.