Overview
- The coordinated effort focused on Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Fort Myers, with additional recoveries reported in nine other states, including one case in Kentucky.
- Regional totals included 57 in Tampa, 14 in Orlando, 22 in Jacksonville and 29 in Fort Myers.
- Children ranged from 23 months to 17 years old, and officials said many had faced abuse, neglect, exploitation or suspected trafficking.
- Six adults were charged with felonies in connection with the operation, and authorities indicated more arrests could follow.
- U.S. Marshals partnered with the FBI, FDLE, NCIS, Homeland Security, local sheriff’s offices, DCF and DJJ, using morning briefings, real-time intel and cell-phone pings while directing recovered youths to medical care or juvenile processing as appropriate.