“Operation DRAGON EYE” Unites Agencies to Rescue Vulnerable Youth and Combat Exploitation
TAMPA, Fla. – The United States Marshals Service (USMS) has concluded “Operation DRAGON EYE,” the most successful missing child recovery operation in the agency’s history. This two-week initiative, spanning Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, resulted in the recovery or safe location of 60 critically missing children, ranging in age from 9 to 17.
Operation DRAGON EYE brought together a vast coalition of federal, state, and local government agencies, alongside social service entities, the medical community, and non-governmental organizations. This multi-disciplinary task force was meticulously planned and executed with three primary objectives: to recover critically missing youth, provide them with essential services and appropriate placement, and to deter those who exploit child vulnerabilities.
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“The unique part of this operation was the fact that underage critically missing children ranging from age 9 to 17 were not only recovered but were debriefed and provided with physical and psychological care,” stated William Berger, United States Marshal for the Middle District of Florida. “This operation further included follow-up assistance in hopes that these youth will not return back to the streets to be further victimized.”
The USMS defines “critically missing” children as those at heightened risk of violence or other elevated risk factors, including substance abuse, sexual exploitation, crime exposure, or domestic violence.
“Operation DRAGON EYE was much more than a U.S. Marshals Service operation; it was a community initiative,” added U.S. Marshals Service Deputy in Charge Mario Price, emphasizing the broad network of support crucial to the mission’s success.
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Law enforcement partners played indispensable roles. Tampa Police Department Chief Lee Bercaw highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “These arrests and recoveries should serve as a reminder of the Tampa Police Department’s commitment to fight to protect our most vulnerable.” The Pasco Sheriff’s Office expressed pride in partnering with the USMS, confirming the recovery of four children from their county. The St. Petersburg Police Department reported safely locating all 11 of their missing juveniles and making two arrests, one for human trafficking.
Beyond law enforcement, the operation’s success was underpinned by a robust network of child welfare and social service partners. Recovered children received immediate medical resources, nourishment, social services, and child advocacy.
Dr. Katherine Gomez, Director of Human Trafficking Intervention for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and a DRAGON EYE Operations Officer, affirmed their commitment: “Operation DRAGON EYE sent a powerful message to Tampa Bay that the law enforcement and child welfare communities are committed to America’s youth. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is a committed partner in recovering missing children and ensuring their well-being.”
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Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch echoed this sentiment, stating, “DCF is proud to work alongside its federal, state, and local partners in this united mission.”
Support from non-governmental organizations and the medical community was also vital. Dawn Sakes, Executive Director of More Too Life, expressed honor in contributing to the significant impact on vulnerable youth. Tracey Kaly, Director of Clinical Operations for BayCare Behavioral Health, emphasized BayCare’s role in providing medical and mental health care, “in hopes these survivors can begin to heal and lead the healthy, vibrant lives they deserve.”
Deborah Charles of Children’s Home Network, Laura Henderson of Bridging Freedom, Natasha Nascimento of Redefining Refuge, and Terri Balliet of Children’s Network of Hillsborough County all underscored their organizations’ dedication to child safety, support, and healing, providing trauma-informed care and essential resources to the recovered youth.
In addition to the recoveries, Operation DRAGON EYE sent a strong message of deterrence, resulting in 8 arrests on charges including human trafficking, child endangerment, narcotics possession, and custodial interference. Notably, a Pinellas County resident was arrested on human trafficking charges with a $250 million bond, sending “a clear community message not to exploit our vulnerable youth,” according to Deputy in Charge Mario Price.
United States Marshal William Berger lauded the comprehensive nature of the operation, stating, “The successful recovery of 60 missing children, complimented with the arrest of 8 individuals including child predators, signifies the most successful missing child recovery effort in the history of the United States Marshals Service; or to my knowledge, any other similar operation held in the United States.”
The USMS extended its gratitude to all participants, including the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), among many others.
Callahan Walsh, Executive Director of NCMEC, praised the collaborative spirit: “The success of Operation DRAGON EYE is a testament to what’s possible when agencies unite with a shared mission to protect children. We’re proud to have supported the U.S. Marshals Service and our partners in Florida to recover these missing children and provide critical support to those who need it most.”
The U.S. Marshals Service continues its vital work assisting federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across the nation in locating and recovering missing children.
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