"Operation Find Our Children" Recovers 27 Kids In Latest Undercover Operation

Since 2005, the US Marshals say they've found more than 2,000 children and have recovered missing kids in 75 percent of the cases it has received.

November 03, 2020

Operation Not Forgotten Atlanta [US Marshals]

Operation Not Forgotten Atlanta [US Marshals]

By: Michelle Sigona

Related To:

In a tremendous effort to find and reunite children with their families the U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement recovered 27 missing children this past week in Virginia, the Department of Justice says. An additional six children were also identified and found to be with their guardians during their latest mission, a press release added.

Over the course of five days, investigators were tracking down leads and information guiding them to these minors. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also provided medical professionals and experts on site.

"Operation Find Our Children" was developed by the U.S. Marshals service, police officers, detectives, special agents and many others throughout the United States. U.S. Marshal Nick E. Proffitt, speaking about their efforts, said “This operation brought together a formidable team that was, and is, determined to come to the aid of our youth and bring to justice those among us that choose to prey on these vulnerable children. Proffit added, "We want the missing children across this great nation to know the U.S. Marshals Service will never stop looking for you, we will find you.”

The Virginia Department of Social Services and medical professionals also provided 50 employees to assist with these recoveries, the release adds.

Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen stated, “While this Virginia operation is the most recent recovery of endangered and missing children led by the U.S. Marshals Service this year, we have also recovered more than 440 kids in Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana and other states."

President and CEO of NCMEC John F. Clark lets it be known that sex trafficking for these children who disappear is a real concern, "... [they] are at risk of further emotional and physical harm."

The U.S. Marshals claim that in the 75 percent of cases in which they've recovered missing children, 72 percent of that total were found within a week.

hile this Virginia operation is the most recent recovery of endangered and missing children led by the U.S. Marshals Service this year, we have also recovered more than 440 kids in Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana and other states.

Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen

Operation Not Forgotten Atlanta [US Marshals]

Photo by: Shane T. McCoy/US Marshals

Shane T. McCoy/US Marshals

Next Up

Kayla Unbehaun, Missing Since 2017, Found Safe In Asheville

Kayla Unbehaun was abducted from Illinois by her biological mother, Heather Unbehaun, on Independence Day 2017. 6 years later, she was found safe in North Carolina.

DNA Ties Two Virginia College Students’ Homicides To ‘Back-To-School Killer’

One victim’s mother called Jesse Matthew Jr. "a serial rapist and murderer who had been hiding in plain sight."

5 Facts You May Not Know About Cleveland 'House Of Horrors' Kidnapper Ariel Castro

How a fired school bus driver abducted three young women and held them in his home for a decade — until one victim escaped with the daughter she’d had in captivity.

UPDATE: Man In Custody On Kidnapping Charges Related To Naomi Irion's Disappearance

Naomi Irion has not been seen since March 12, 2022. The Lyon County Sheriff's Office has charged Troy Driver with her kidnapping.

Navajo Nation Girl Assaulted, Killed After Man Kidnapped Her While She Was Playing

Tom Begaye Jr. left the 11-year-old child to die in the desert after “repeatedly hitting her on the head and face with a tire iron.”

Arizona Woman Helps Save Herself During Kidnapping By Passing Note To A Stranger

After being kidnapped by a man disguised as an Uber driver, a woman helped save herself by passing a note to a stranger at an Arizona gas station asking them to call 911.

Kidnapping Victim Helps Orchestrate Her Own Rescue By Holding Up Sign Saying 'Help Me'

A 13-year-old girl was rescued after holding up a sign from the window of Steven Robert Sablan’s car in a Long Beach, California parking lot.

Missouri Pair Allegedly Kidnapped Woman, Held Her Captive In Cage, Authorities Say

An anonymous tipster reportedly sent the FBI a photo of the victim restrained and partially nude.

How The Abduction And Murder Of A 9-Year-Old Led To The AMBER Alert System

The AMBER alert system first debuted in 1996 as a collaboration between news media and police in Arlington, Texas. Named for Amber Hagerman, the alerts have helped find more than 1,000 abducted children.

Missing Alabama Woman May Have Been Kidnapped And Pushed Off A Cliff

Mary Elizabeth Isbell Wright has been missing for nearly two years. After a long investigation, Loretta Kay Carr, 43, has been arrested and charged for kidnapping and murdering her.

Featured Cases

More Missing