The Department of Justice has revealed the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a comprehensive effort aimed at identifying and apprehending child sex predators. This initiative led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals involved in child sexual abuse offenses across the nation. The operation spanned five days and involved all 55 FBI field offices, alongside the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within the Department's Criminal Division, as well as U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide.
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 expressed gratitude towards the FBI and their partners for their work on Operation Restore Justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation," adding that this operation demonstrates no predator is beyond reach. He further noted that leveraging federal, state, and local partnerships sends a clear message: there is no refuge for those who prey on children.
In Delaware, Justin Enright was arrested for violating probation terms related to previous federal child sexual abuse convictions. Acting U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Hanson remarked on Enright's case as highlighting the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts like Operation Restore Justice.
Arrests made during this operation include various crimes such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. Notable arrests occurred in Minneapolis involving a state trooper producing abusive material while in uniform; in Norfolk with an illegal alien accused of transporting a minor across state lines; and in Washington D.C., where a former police officer faced charges related to trafficking minor victims.
William J. DelBagno from FBI Baltimore commented that each arrest delivers justice while reinforcing zero tolerance for crimes against children. He highlighted ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to protect children from harm.
Parental vigilance played a crucial role in some cases; notably, a California man was apprehended shortly after a victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This initiative aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It underscores continued commitment toward protecting children through education initiatives under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide program launched by DOJ targeting internet-based exploitation since May 2006.
The DOJ collaborates with organizations like NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children), which provides tip-sharing services about potential exploitation incidents via its hotline or website resources available around-the-clock.
Public vigilance remains essential; suspected exploitation can be reported through various channels including contacting local FBI offices directly or using designated hotlines/tip-lines provided by authorities handling such matters regularly.