Coral Springs Family Devastated After Iran Hostage Is "Left Behind"

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CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) -- The family of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who was taken hostage in Iran in 2007, has spoken out after learning that Levinson was not one of four prisoners freed by the Iranian government as part of a prison swap deal with the U.S. on Saturday.

In a statement released Saturday morning, Levinson's family said:

"We are happy for the other families. But once again Bob Levinson has been left behind. We are devastated."

Levinson reportedly went missing on Kish Island, Iran in March 2007. He is a retired FBI and DEA agent with 28 years of service as a U.S. government employee.

In 2014, Levinson's wife confirmed that her husband was working as a consultant for the CIA and was also investigating cigarette smuggling as a private detective in Iran. Since his disappearance, there has been no direct contact from Levinson to either his family or anyone else.

However, in 2010, photos, documents and a videotape detailing his arrest and detention in Iran were sent anonymously to Levinson's wife.

The FBI has maintained an ongoing investigation into Levinson's whereabouts, including a $5 million reward offered for his safe return.

The four prisoners who were safely released were Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, Marine veteran Amir Hekmati, Christian pastor Saeed Abedini, and a fourth prisoner, Nosratollah Khosrawi.

A fifth prisoner was also reportedly released, although it was not part of the same deal.