The Department of Justice has revealed the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort aimed at apprehending child sex predators. This initiative involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within the Criminal Division of the Department, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the nation.
During a five-day period from April 28 to May 2, over 200 individuals were arrested for various offenses related to child sexual abuse. The accused include school officials, registered sex offenders, and law enforcement personnel. Crimes cited involve production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), online enticement, transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.
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 local partners for their efforts in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation," asserting that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates no predator is unreachable. He highlighted the collaboration between federal, state, and local partners in conveying a strong message against those who exploit children.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts reiterated the commitment to protecting children from exploitation as a key responsibility in law enforcement. She acknowledged that some predators are embedded within communities in roles involving direct contact with children or operating online.
In Massachusetts alone, five arrests were made during this operation:
- Jacob Henriques is charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
- Justin Ouimette faces charges for possessing CSAM.
- Warren Messeck is charged with possessing CSAM after being identified as using an internet-based network.
- Brandon Bendall faces charges related to possessing and receiving CSAM.
- Cess Frazier is charged with receiving CSAM.
Operation Restore Justice coincided with National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Massachusetts continues its Project Safe Childhood program to educate communities about online safety for children.
The FBI maintains a proactive stance through its Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force located at each field office. Additionally, resources like the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) help identify individuals involved in such crimes.
Parents are encouraged by the FBI to remain vigilant regarding their children's activities both online and offline. Programs like Safe Online Surfing aim to teach safe internet navigation skills to students from grades 3 to 8.
Reports on suspected child exploitation can be made via several FBI channels including their hotline or local field offices. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.