Largest Missing Child Operation in North Florida History
Largest Missing Child Operation in North Florida History Staff Reports December 19, 2025 10:12 am Crime, Emerald Coast, Okaloosa County, Public Safety In Brief: 43 critically missing children recovered across North Florida and neighboring states 9 arrests made, with additional charges expected Multi-agency operation focused on recovery, care, and prevention The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), in coordination with numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, successfully led Operation Northern Lights, a large-scale missing child recovery effort that resulted in the recovery and safe location of 43 critically missing children from 14 counties across North Florida. The operation, conducted over two weeks in December, focused on locating children deemed to be at the highest risk of harm. The U.S. Marshals Service defines “critically missing” children as those facing elevated dangers, including exposure to violence, sexual exploitation, substance abuse, domestic instability, or criminal activity. Recovered children ranged in age from 1½ years old to 17 years old, highlighting the broad scope and urgency of the mission. While many children were recovered within Florida, others were located across state lines, including Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, demonstrating the regional nature of missing child cases. Among the significant recoveries during Operation Northern Lights: A 1-year-old child missing from Leon County was located and recovered by U.S. Marshals personnel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A 17-year-old and a 1-year-old missing from Okaloosa County were recovered outside Jackson, Mississippi, resulting in the arrest of a non-custodial adult for interference with child custody. A 17-year-old missing from Suwannee...
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