The Department of Justice has announced the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to combat child sexual abuse. This operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders. Conducted over five days, it involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices 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 its partners for their efforts in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the importance of protecting children: "Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us."
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston reiterated her office's commitment: “Operation Restore Justice underscores that resolve and reflects the unrelenting commitment of this office, the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement and community partners to protect children.”
Kevin Rojek, FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge, remarked on each arrest's significance: “Each arrest in Operation Restore Justice is sending this powerful message: if you are seeking to prey on our children, we will find you and we will bring you to justice without exception.”
Among those arrested was Konnor Wolfe Lyons from Huntington, West Virginia. A federal grand jury indicted him on three felony counts related to child pornography possession between September 2023 and November 2024. He was arrested by the FBI on April 30, 2025.
Other arrests across various states involved crimes such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for sex purposes, and child sex trafficking. Notable cases include a state trooper in Minneapolis allegedly producing abuse material while in uniform and an illegal alien from Mexico accused in Norfolk for transporting a minor for sex.
Community outreach played a vital role; one example being a California man's arrest after a young victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation.
This initiative follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It emphasizes ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation through federal collaboration.
The Department works with organizations like NCMEC for reporting potential exploitation via hotlines or websites. The public is encouraged to report any suspected exploitation through various channels including local FBI offices.