TBI: 150 missing children recovered
A coordinated effort led to the recovery of 150 missing children across the state, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Wednesday.
“Operation Volunteer Strong” launched on Jan. 4 after 240 missing children were identified in the state. A series of “two-week blitzes” in East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee and West Tennessee led to the recovery of 150 of those children, the TBI said in a news release.
At least five of the children were potential victims of human trafficking, according to the release. Cases are still open for each of them. One child was rescued during a kidnapping investigation, resulting in the arrest of a suspect.
Members of the operation spoke during a press briefing on Wednesday morning at the TBI headquarters in Nashville.
“I hope this operation changes the course for 150 young lives and leads them to the path of opportunities every child deserves,” said Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee. “Our efforts should also serve notice to those who prey on society’s most vulnerable that these children are not forgotten. Investigations will continue and the next knock at the door could be for you.”
The operation was a joint effort with the TBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also provided research and analytical support during the operation.
“Operation Volunteer Strong is a great example of how working together, we can find missing children and get them the help they need to move forward,” said John Clark, NCMEC’S President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re thrilled to see so many missing children recovered in Tennessee, and we thank all the agencies involved for their dedication to child protection.”
How many children were found in each district
The TBI release detailed how many children were identified and recovered in each district as the two-week “blitzes” ran intermittently from Jan. 4 through Feb. 26. While the formal operation has concluded, efforts to find the remaining 90 missing children identified continue, TBI spokesperson Josh Devine said.
East Tennessee
The operation ran from Jan. 4-15 in East Tennessee, where 86 missing children were identified and 56 were recovered. Five were in other states.
Authorities located 27 in the weeks leading up to the operation and three after it concluded. Three juveniles were identified as potential human trafficking victims. A TBI investigation is still active.
Middle Tennessee
The operation ran from Jan. 25 through Feb. 5 in Middle Tennessee, where 72 missing children were identified and 42 were recovered.
Authorities located 29 in the weeks leading up to the operation and 13 during the operation. One was identified as a potential human trafficking victim. A TBI investigation is still active.
West Tennessee
The operation ran from Feb. 8-12 and Feb. 22-26 in West Tennessee, where 82 missing children were identified and 52 were recovered. Three were in other states.
Authorities located 33 in the weeks leading up to the operation, 18 during the operation and one after it concluded. An investigation by a Mississippi local law enforcement agency and the FBI is still active.
One child was also rescued from an active kidnapping investigation, and a suspect was arrested. Two adults with outstanding warrants were also located during the operation.
Most of the children recovered will receive support from the state’s DCS, including possible placement into foster homes, group homes or other specialized care, the release said. While the investigation was a stride forward in finding the missing children identified, the people behind the operation said there is still work to do.
Hundreds of children go missing every month in Tennessee, whether as the result of runaway situations, custody battles, kidnappings or other circumstances, said TBI Director David Rausch.
“Every single one of them deserves a fighting chance, and that’s why they also deserve our best work to help them,” Rausch said.
Middle District Tennessee U.S. Marshal Denny King echoed that sentiment.
“We can’t give up. We need the public, the media and all law enforcement to not give up,” King said. “If you see something, or know something, say something. We cannot give up and stop searching for our most vulnerable and those who cannot help themselves.”