A total of 150 missing children from Tennessee were recovered during a months-long joint law enforcement operation, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) on Wednesday.
Authorities said the missing children – aged 3 to 17 – were recovered during three sweeps across the state in January and February.
At least one child has been identified as a victim of human trafficking. Four others are possible victims of human trafficking, the TBI said in the statement.
The children were recovered during “Operation Strong Volunteer”, a collaboration between the TBI, the US Marshals Service and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
“I hope this operation will change the course of 150 young people and lead them to the opportunities that all children deserve,” said Tyreece Miller, US Marshal of the Western Tennessee District. “Our efforts must also alert those who attack the most vulnerable in society so that these children are not forgotten.”
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David Rausch, director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, speaks during a news conference on Wednesday, detailing “Operation Strong Volunteer”. (TBI MEDIA / TBI)
Some of the missing children were identified as possible victims of human trafficking, and a child was safely recovered by US Marshals during an active kidnapping attempt – resulting in the suspect’s arrest, officials said. Another 90 children are still missing, according to a TBI statement.
“We cannot give up. We need the public, the media and all law enforcement officials to not give up,” said Denny King, US Marshal of the Central District of Tennessee. “If you see something, or know something, say something. We cannot give up and stop looking for our most vulnerable and those who cannot help themselves.”
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After identifying 240 missing children across the state, officials said TBI intelligence analysts had compiled complete information and potential clues about each child before sending teams “during a two-week blitz in each of Tennessee’s three major regions” .
TBI director David Rausch said hundreds of children disappear in Tennessee each month.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided research and analytical support during the operation. Most of the recovered children will receive services and can be placed in foster homes, collective homes “or other specialized care,” officials said.
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Miller said investigations will continue and “the next knock on the door may be for you”.