Florida Fugitives Wanted For Alleged Child Abuse Arrested In Osage Beach | Crime & Justice

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. – A Florida couple was arrested on Friday in Osage Beach, Missouri, after a child abuse investigation led authorities to their location.

The United States Marshals contacted the Camden County Sheriff’s Office on April 12 for assistance in locating two missing and endangered children from Escambia County, Florida. A court order issued in March by an Escambia County judge deemed the children to be in unsafe and abusive conditions, prompting the Florida Department of Children and Families to step in.

Evidence of inhumane restraint of the children and indications of methamphetamine manufacturing and drug abuse were discovered at the residence where the family had been living. However, before Florida law enforcement could intervene and take custody of the children as ordered by the court, the parents fled the state with both minors in tow.

After an extensive search spanning multiple states, the US Marshals were able to track down the fugitives, identified as 38-year-old Nikolas A. Harris and 33-year-old Helen E. Harris of Pensacola, Florida, in the Springfield and Branson areas. The couple’s whereabouts were ultimately pinpointed to a residence in Osage Beach.

Upon execution of a search warrant at the home on Channel Buoy Drive, Camden County deputies successfully arrested both parents and safely recovered the children. Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia consistent with the allegations from Florida were also uncovered during the search.

Both Nikolas and Helen Harris have been taken into custody and transported to the Camden County Adult Detention Facility. Each is facing Class D felonies, including possession of a controlled substance and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and are being held without bond.

The children have been entrusted to the Missouri Children’s Division, which is collaborating with Florida authorities to relocate them to a secure facility at an undisclosed location.

This disturbing case serves as a reminder of the importance of swift and coordinated efforts to protect children from abusive and harmful environments. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Harris couple and provide necessary care and support to the rescued children. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

Written by staticwire