The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and arresting child sex predators. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders across the United States. This effort was conducted over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, along with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division and 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 to the FBI and their partners for their work in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency's commitment to 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."
In San Diego, four individuals were arrested as part of this operation. Seth Wheeler faces charges for distributing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Adam Harrison Bryant was charged with possession of child pornography after being found with an electronic device containing such material. Kristho Angel Valdez was charged with receiving explicit content from minors via Snapchat. Christopher David Miller was charged with attempted receipt and possession of similar material.
Nationwide, other arrests included crimes like production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. Notable cases include a state trooper in Minneapolis accused of producing abuse material while in uniform and an illegal alien in Norfolk accused of transporting a minor for sex.
Parental vigilance played a crucial role in several cases. For instance, a California man was arrested hours after a victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation near Albany.
This initiative aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April. It highlights the Department's commitment to combating child sexual exploitation through Project Safe Childhood—a program launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006.
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation through various channels including the FBI’s tipline or local field offices.