U.S. Marshals and Task Force Members Safely Locate and Rescue a 15-Year-Old Verified Human Trafficking Victim.
A 15-year-old girl, missing for nearly 17 months, was safely recovered on Thursday in South Apopka by the United States Marshals Service and members of the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The teen, who was reported missing in April 2024, is a verified victim of human trafficking.
The Cocoa Police Department initially reported the juvenile missing and subsequently sought the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) expressed significant concerns for the teen’s safety and welfare, as she has a history of interactions with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and had a pending arrest warrant.
A lengthy investigation, involving a multi-agency effort between the U.S. Marshals, the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, DCF, and DJJ, revealed a possible residence in an Orlando suburb. This information led to the successful recovery of the teen.
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“The United States Marshals Service is resilient in its commitment to our youth, to our communities, and to our partners,” said William Berger, United States Marshal for the Middle District of Florida. “The diligent work of all involved in this investigation has created another chance for this young lady. It further demonstrates the importance of partnerships at all levels throughout the missing child space.”
Following her recovery, the child was transferred to the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to address a criminal matter related to the pending arrest warrant.
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