🧒 43 critically missing children recovered across North Florida and neighboring states
🚔 9 arrests made, with additional charges expected
🤝 Multi-agency operation focused on recovery, care, and prevention
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), in coordination with numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, successfully led Operation Northern Lights, a large-scale missing child recovery effort that resulted in the recovery and safe location of 43 critically missing children from 14 counties across North Florida.
The operation, conducted over two weeks in December, focused on locating children deemed to be at the highest risk of harm. The U.S. Marshals Service defines “critically missing” children as those facing elevated dangers, including exposure to violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, domestic instability, or criminal activity.
Recovered children ranged in age from 1½ years old to 17 years old, highlighting the broad scope and urgency of the mission. While many children were recovered within Florida, others were located across state lines, including Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, demonstrating the regional nature of missing child cases.
Among the significant recoveries during Operation Northern Lights:
A 1-year-old child missing from Leon County was located and recovered by U.S. Marshals personnel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
A 17-year-old and a 1-year-old missing from Okaloosa County were recovered outside Jackson, Mississippi, resulting in the arrest of a non-custodial adult for interference with child custody.
A 17-year-old missing from Suwannee County was located in Meadville, Mississippi, where U.S. Marshals arrested a 24-year-old adult on charges of interference with child custody.
A 13-year-old missing from Suwannee County was recovered in Jacksonville, Florida, after being missing for approximately eight months.
A 15-year-old from Okaloosa County, the victim of a non-custodial abduction, was located in Ocala, Florida. The adult responsible was arrested for interference with child custody.
In total, the operation resulted in nine arrests, with recoveries that may lead to additional charges related to human trafficking, child endangerment, and custodial interference.
“This was the most successful missing child operation ever conducted in Northern Florida,” said Greg Leljedal, Acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Florida. “Because of the tireless dedication of the U.S. Marshals and our partners, 43 endangered children are now safe. This operation was not only about recovery, but also about ensuring these children received immediate physical and psychological care.”
Recovered children were provided with medical evaluations, nourishment, social services, advocacy support, and appropriate placement, ensuring their immediate needs were met and reducing the risk of re-victimization.
Operation Northern Lights involved more than 80 personnel from 25 agencies, including law enforcement, social services, federal and state prosecutors, and nonprofit organizations. The operation had three primary objectives:
Recover critically missing children,
Provide essential services and appropriate placement, and
Deter criminal activity that exploits vulnerable youth.
“The recovery of over forty missing children reflects unwavering commitment and teamwork,” said Nicholas G. Ingegno, Assistant Special Agent in Charge with Homeland Security Investigations. “Every child deserves safety, and we will continue using every resource available to bring them home.”
The operation was conducted under the authority granted by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which expanded the U.S. Marshals Service’s ability to assist with the recovery of missing, endangered, or abducted children. Since receiving that authority, the USMS has recovered or located more than 3,967 missing children nationwide, with the majority found within seven days of case initiation.
Officials say Operation Northern Lights demonstrates the power of coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts and reinforces a nationwide commitment to protecting vulnerable children and preventing human trafficking.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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