NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 25, 2026Hillsborough
Florida Attorney General announces recovery of 163 missing children in Operation Statewide Shield
Florida law enforcement officials rescued 163 missing children and arrested three individuals during a five-day, multi-agency operation conducted across Florida and international locations. The initiative, known as Operation Statewide Shield, utilized a multidisciplinary task force to locate children ranging from 2 months to 17 years old.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The operation marks the first statewide child recovery effort in Florida history, resulting in the rescue of 163 children and the initiation of ongoing criminal investigations into trafficking networks.
Key Facts
- 163 missing children were recovered during the operation.
- The children ranged in age from 2 months to 17 years old.
- Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the operation.
- Regional recovery totals: 46 in Tampa Bay, 41 in Miami, 32 in Jacksonville, 21 in Orlando, 12 in Fort Myers, 8 in Pensacola, and 3 in Tallahassee.
- The operation spanned six U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and 12 foreign countries.
- Michael Prescott was arrested Aug. 21 in Jacksonville on charges including lewd acts with a minor and felony battery.
- Robert Ferral Allison was arrested Aug. 20 in Lee County on charges of lewd and lascivious battery.
- Jayden Allen Harwood was arrested on charges of interference with child custody and resisting officers.
- Recovered children were transported to specialized hubs for medical, social, and welfare services.
- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement led the five-day investigation.
Who's Mentioned
personRobert Ferral Allison“Individual arrested in Lee County on Aug. 20”organizationJacksonville Sheriff’s Office“Agency that arrested Michael Prescott”personMichael Prescott“Individual arrested in Jacksonville on Aug. 21”personRita Peters“Special Counsel for Human Trafficking”personJayden Allen Harwood“Individual arrested on child custody and resisting charges”personJames Uthmeier“Florida Attorney General who announced the operation”organizationLee County Sheriff’s Office“Agency that arrested Robert Ferral Allison”organizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“Lead agency for the operation”