The Department of Justice has reported the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort targeting child sex predators. The operation, conducted over five days, led to the arrest of 205 individuals and the rescue of 115 children. The initiative involved all 55 FBI field offices and various legal entities across the country.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us." She praised the FBI and their partners for their work in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten." He highlighted the collaboration between federal, state, and local partners as a significant factor in delivering justice.
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson reiterated their commitment to prosecuting those responsible for exploiting youth. Special Agent Jonathan Tapp from FBI New Orleans noted that each arrest underscores efforts to hold predators accountable.
In Louisiana's Eastern District, Lance Rotolo Jr., a resident of Harvey, was indicted on several charges related to child exploitation. These include producing explicit content involving minors and distributing such material. If convicted, Rotolo faces significant prison time and other penalties.
Across the nation, arrests included individuals involved in producing or distributing abuse material, online enticement of minors, and trafficking. In some cases, community vigilance played a crucial role in apprehending offenders quickly after crimes were reported.
This operation aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April by the Department of Justice. It highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood to combat child sexual exploitation through coordinated law enforcement actions.
The public is encouraged to report any suspected child exploitation activities via FBI channels or local offices.
An indictment remains an allegation until proven otherwise in court.