When parents welcome a newborn into their homes, this new adventure is flooded with dreams of a life well-lived and a future of unlimited potential. Thoughts of first words and steps, school, prom, graduation, and a wedding are often lingering in the periphery as they watch the child grow up so quickly. It is only in the worst of nightmares that a parent can fathom the sudden and unexplained disappearance of their child, and it is in the darkest of fears that a parent can contemplate the horrific possibility that a precious child could be snatched from loving safety and plunged into the evil of human trafficking and child exploitation. Yet, each day in America, families are forced to live this nightmare. Matt Murphy served honorably as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army and seemed destined to leverage that experience in a post-military career that would put his skills to work in a number of potential occupations. However, the disappearance of his little sister Sarah and subsequent discovery of her body in a river on Christmas Eve in 2019 would forever change the trajectory of his life and career. During the course of an investigation into her death, it was determined that Sarah had likely fallen victim to child trafficking—a discovery that (by his own admission) sent Murphy into a “dark place.” Murphy shares, “I considered putting my (military) skillset into action as I sought revenge for my sister’s death.” Fortunately, Murphy reached out for answers to law enforcement members like Homeland Security Investigator (HSI) Jim Cole, and his hunger for revenge turned into a hunger for making a positive change. Murphy founded Operation Lightshine and surrounded himself with a team of capable people who could help him pursue his lofty mission to eradicate child trafficking and exploitation. Soon, Investigator Cole left HSI to join Lightshine, momentum built, and the organization partnered with Homeland Security as well as state and local law enforcement agencies across the country. Ultimately, the mission caught the attention of Tim Tebow, who brought the formidable resources of his foundation alongside Murphy. When the dust settled, the Inter-agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking (INTERCEPT) Task Force was created.
On this day, Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook welcomed members of the North Florida INTERCEPT Task Force to the Old Courthouse in Green Cove Springs. Under the watchful protection of numerous Clay County Deputies, Sheriffs from five counties gathered alongside representatives from Homeland Security, a U.S. Attorney, a State Representative, several elected officials, Matt Murphy, and Tim Tebow as they announced to the media and the community the formation of this Task Force in N.E. Florida. As Murphy shared the heartbreaking details of Sarah’s death, the mood in the Old Courthouse shifted from excitement over the presence of a football and media sensation to a somber understanding of the burden and mission of the task force. When Mr. Murphy concluded his presentation, Tebow stepped to the microphone and shared how he was humbled by the opportunity to help make an impact on such an important undertaking. As Mr. Tebow explained his understanding of the urgency of the moment and mission, the now clearly-defined potential for change and positive impact began to roll like a wave through the gathered crowd. When Undersheriff Lendvay brought the press conference to a close, members of the media and others crowded around the officials to ask questions and gain a better understanding of how the Task Force would carry out its mission.
Soon, the crowd died down, the media departed, and Mr. Murphy and Mr. Tebow slipped away to a private meeting in a conference room downstairs. Inside the room, top brass gathered with several members of the INTERCEPT Task Force—frontline investigators and detectives who could not afford to have their faces shown to the media because of the undercover work that they perform for the task force. After each person introduced themselves, Murphy and Tebow took a few moments to share a personal word of thanks and encouragement to the team members, and then Steve Biondo, President of the Tim Tebow Foundation offered a prayer of encouragement and protection over all of the task force members. As the impromptu meeting ended, a spectator could not help but sense the resolve and focus of what has truly become a mission for these members. Though the evil of child trafficking and exploitation continues, the efforts and resources of those gathered here this day are centered on protecting our most vulnerable, preventing the horrible, and allowing children to grow up in a safe environment where they can live out their hopes and dreams.
Just prior to publication, a grant of $1.5 Million was awarded to the North East Florida INTERCEPT Task Force for the creation of a dedicated forensic lab in the Northeast Florida area. This incredible accomplishment was due in great part to the strong efforts of State Representative Sam Garrison. This forensic lab is just one more tool in the arsenal to eradicate child trafficking in this country and here in Northeast Florida. We caught up with the task force area director Katie Yaryan who explained what a tremendous win this new forensic lab is for the task force and the citizens of Clay and surrounding counties. “Right now, the Task Force is spread throughout Northeast Florida. We get office space wherever we can find it, but this new facility will allow us to work together out of the same location and observe the work in real time.” Yaryan went on to explain the incredible partnership that is developing between the Task Force, private sector supporters, and law enforcement. To learn more about Lightshine and the INTERCEPT Task Force work within the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.OperationLightshine.org
