Florida Fugitives living in Osage Beach Drug House Arrested, Two Endangered Children now in Custody

Camden County, MO (The Lake Tribune) — In a significant interagency operation, Camden County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals Service officers successfully located and rescued two endangered children on the afternoon of April 12, 2024. The operation also led to the arrest of their parents, Nikolas A. Harris, 38, and Helen E. Harris, 33, from Pensacola, Florida, following a child abuse investigation initiated in Escambia County, Florida.

Earlier on Friday, the U.S. Marshals reached out to the Camden County detective bureau to aid in tracking the children deemed missing and endangered by a Florida court. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, the children were subjected to inhumane restraint and exposed to an environment of methamphetamine production and drug abuse.

The Harris couple, who fled Florida before authorities could enforce a court order to take custody of the children, were traced across multiple states. Their journey ended in the Osage Beach area where they were found residing on Channel Buoy Drive. The subsequent search of the residence yielded methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia, corroborating the charges filed in Florida.

Upon arrest, the couple was charged with possession of a controlled substance and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, with both being detained without bond at the Camden County Adult Detention Facility.

The rescued children are currently in the care of the Missouri Children’s Division, which is coordinating their safe transfer with Florida authorities to a secure and undisclosed location.

As the case moves forward, it is important to note that the charges against Nikolas and Helen Harris are allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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