The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex offenders. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals involved in child sexual abuse across the nation. This five-day operation was carried out by all 55 FBI field offices, alongside the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within the Department’s Criminal Division, and various United States Attorney’s Offices.
In Florida's Southern District, several cases are being prosecuted as part of this operation:
- Benjamin Tokoma Sanders from Oakland, Florida, has been charged with possession and production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation is led by FBI Miami and the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
- Tre’ Anthony Roberts from Miami is facing charges related to child sexual exploitation. His case is being investigated by FBI Miami, FBI Jacksonville, and the Tallahassee Police Department.
- Katriel Victor Marmol from Davie faces charges for enticing a minor. His case involves investigations by FBI Miami and the Davie Police Department.
- Dariel Manresa from Pembroke Pines has been charged with possession and distribution of CSAM, investigated by FBI Miami and Pembroke Pines Police Department.
- William Neal from Tampa is charged with possession of CSAM; his case is under investigation by both FBI Miami and FBI Tampa.
- Brian Jones from Evanston, Illinois faces charges for distributing CSAM. The investigation involves FBI Miami and Chicago.
Nationally, arrests include crimes such as production, distribution, possession of CSAM, online enticement of minors, transportation for illegal activities involving minors, and child sex trafficking. Notable cases include a Minneapolis state trooper accused of producing CSAM while in uniform; an individual in Norfolk accused of transporting a minor across state lines; and a former police officer in Washington D.C. alleged to have trafficked minors.
Community vigilance played a crucial role in some arrests. In California, one arrest occurred just hours after a victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation conducted near Albany.
This initiative follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April. It emphasizes the Justice Department's commitment to protecting children through Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat child exploitation on digital platforms.
The Department collaborates with organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), providing resources such as their hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST for reporting suspected exploitation.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicion via the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov. Further information about related court documents can be found on websites associated with Florida's Southern District Court system.
An indictment serves only as an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.