As part of “Operation Home for the Holidays,” Florida officials announced the recovery or location of over 120 missing children during a recent two-week operation targeting child exploitation. This large-scale effort, described as the largest child rescue mission in state history, also resulted in the arrest of six individuals. The recovered children, ranging in age from 23 months to 17 years old, were found throughout Florida and in nine other states, with two located internationally. Authorities anticipate further arrests in the coming weeks, as charges against those apprehended include offenses such as lewd and lascivious behavior and sexual battery.
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Operation Soteria Shield, a Texas-wide FBI operation conducted in April, resulted in the arrest of 244 child exploitation offenders and the rescue of 109 children. The operation involved over 70 state and federal agencies, including local departments in Lubbock. Eight arrests were made in Lubbock alone, seven for child exploitation and one for animal cruelty. FBI Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock emphasized the collaborative effort to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable.
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Anthony Slater, a bystander, suffered severe burns while rescuing a 3-year-old boy from a burning car following a crash in Lakeland, Florida. Despite his heroic efforts, the boy’s sister perished in the fire. The father and surviving child are expected to recover, while Slater is hospitalized for his injuries. Authorities lauded Slater’s bravery, commending his selfless actions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker