A collaborative initiative between Florida’s Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP) and the U.S. Marshals Service for the Central District of Florida has resulted in the rescue of 60 children, most of whom were victims of human trafficking in the Tampa Bay region. The successful completion of Operation Dragon Eye was officially declared on Monday, June 23.
What Is Operation Dragon Eye?
As per an official press release, “Attorney General James Uthmeier joined the U.S. Marshal for the Central District of Florida William Berger to announce the rescue of 60 children as part of Operation Dragon Eye in the Tampa Bay Area. A total of eight defendants were arrested, one on human trafficking charges.”
At least 20 agencies participated in the months-long operation, which resulted in the rescue of children between 9 and 17 years old. The minors were rescued from vulnerable circumstances, in danger of being sexually exploited. Shockingly, one of the rescued girls was found to be pregnant, allegedly by the child of her own trafficker.
Legal Action
Addressing the press conference, Attorney General Uthmeier commended the mission team. “The true heroes of this operation are the law enforcement officers who constructed and carried out this mission. As your Attorney General and a dad of three young children, keeping children safe is my number one concern,” he stated. “If you harm children, you’re off to prison, period.”
Eight suspects were apprehended in the sting operation. They are currently charged with serious offenses, such as human trafficking, child endangerment, possession of drugs, and drug trafficking. Special Counsel Rita Peters will head the prosecution, while OSP will be the lead prosecuting agency. The State Attorneys from Florida’s Sixth and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits will provide additional assistance.
Rehabilitation for Rescued Children
U.S. Marshal William Berger highlighted the overall aim of the operation. “The distinctive aspect of this operation was that underaged critically missing children from age 9 to 17 not only were recovered but debriefed and given physical and psychological attention,” he explained. “This operation also involved follow-up support in the hopes that these youths will not go back to the streets and be victimized further.”
Florida’s Department of Children and Families has declared the operation a breakthrough step toward safeguarding vulnerable children and reaffirmed the commitment of the state toward child safety. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement further stated that though the operation has been an improvement, continued efforts are in place to find and recover more missing children.
