U.S. Marshals recover ‘critically missing’ St. Pete kids

The U.S. Marshals Service and myriad local partners have completed the most successful missing child recovery operation in the agency’s – and likely the nation’s – history.

The multi-disciplinary task force’s collaborative efforts located 60 critically missing children ranging in age from 9 to 17, including 11 from St. Petersburg. Some are now pregnant.

Critically missing kids are those most at risk of experiencing sexual exploitation, violence, substance abuse and exposure to other crimes. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway was among the many stakeholders to celebrate the success of “Operation Dragon Eye” Monday.

“This shows everyone that here, not just in Florida, but in the Tampa Bay area, we are serious about recovering our children and making sure we bring them back home safely,” Holloway said. “To the suspects who are out there: We’re coming to get you.”

The two-week operation encompassed Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Marshals arrested eight people from June 2 through 13, including convicted child predators.

William Berger, U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida, said he was overwhelmed by the operation’s success. He noted it took six weeks to recover 30 children in Atlanta through a similar investigation.

Berger said the eight suspects now face human trafficking, child endangerment, drug possession and drug trafficking charges. He stressed the importance of making arrests as “experience tells us, if the offenders are not apprehended, they will reconnect with these children.”

“They are, in my opinion, leeches,” Berger added.

Some suspects were not offered bonds. A judge set one at $250 million. “I’ve never heard of that,” Berger said.

Operation Dragon Eye included the Florida Attorney General’s office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FDJJ), Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, St. Petersburg Police Department (SSPD), Tampa Police Department, BayCare Health System, Bridging Freedom, Bridges of Hope, the Children’s Home Network, the Children’s Network of Hillsborough County, Family Support Services Pasco Pinellas Counties, More Too Life, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Redefining Refuge.

Holloway noted the SPPD safely found all 11 of its critically missing juveniles and arrested two people, one for human trafficking. “If you want to take our children, we’re going to take you off our streets,” he said.

Spokesperson Yolanda Fernandez said one child was missing for over 200 days. Many leave St. Petersburg for other jurisdictions, making them more difficult for local officers to locate.

Over 20 agencies and 120 people participated in Operation Dragon Eye. Their collaboration ensured that recovered children received healthcare and social services, and they are now more likely to avoid similar situations in the future.

Representatives repeatedly emphasized that their coordinated efforts led to the operation’s success. Dr. Katherine Gomez, director of human trafficking intervention for the FDJJ, said half of the youth recovered had prior experience in the juvenile justice system.

However, all 60 “had the same opportunity” to receive health and social services. “We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every young person,” Gomez said.

“Every kid recovered by this operation is an opportunity,” she added. “Maybe today will be the day that a young person decides to make major changes in their life.”

While some will not seize that opportunity, Gomez said stakeholders know the children are temporarily safe, had a “good meal” and a “chance to talk to people that can help them.”

Largo-based BayCare has assisted the Marshals Service by providing medical and mental health services for recovered youth since 2024. Tracey Kaly, director of clinical operations for behavioral health, said the organization has since established a dedicated hub to bolster those efforts.

Redefining Refuge provides trauma-informed care, emergency resources and stabilization services for missing children. CEO Natasha Nascimento shared a story she believes “captures the heart of this mission.”

Nascimento said a human trafficker impregnated one of the missing girls – an addict who was “barely beginning her own life.” The girl, now in her second trimester, received her first ultrasound from BayCare.

“She heard her baby’s heartbeat for the very first time, and she just began to weep,” Nascimento said. “This moment awakened something in this child … and it was almost as though she realized that instead of just doing the soul-stretching work of just surviving, she was willing to fight for the life that was inside of her.

“So, to everyone involved in this operation, you didn’t just protect children – you protected their children. You didn’t just save one child; you saved generations.”