The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to identify and arrest child sex offenders. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals accused of child sexual abuse offenses. The initiative was conducted over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, in collaboration with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department's Criminal Division, as well as United States Attorney’s Offices across the country.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's commitment to protecting victims, stating, "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 law enforcement partners for their efforts in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten," emphasizing a continued commitment to pursuing those who exploit children.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska remarked on the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding children from exploitation. Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day commended law enforcement partners for their role in creating safer communities through this initiative.
In Alaska, three individuals have been charged under separate indictments:
- Jonathan Herra from Kenai faces charges related to purchasing child sexual abuse material.
- Donovan Nungasak from Utqiagvik is charged with producing and possessing such material.
- Kristian Seward from Anchorage is accused of receiving and possessing similar content.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ainsley McNerney, Mac Caille Petursson, and Carly Vosacek.
Nationwide arrests include various allegations such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. Instances include a state trooper arrested in Minneapolis for allegedly producing abusive material while wearing uniforms; an illegal alien in Norfolk accused of transporting a minor for sex; and a former police officer in Washington D.C., charged with trafficking minors.
Parental vigilance played a significant role in some cases leading to arrests soon after disclosures were made by young victims during community outreach events.
This operation follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department aimed at combating child exploitation since May 2006.
The Justice Department encourages public vigilance against suspected exploitation via reporting channels like tips.fbi.gov or local FBI offices while maintaining partnerships with organizations like NCMEC which assist through hotlines dedicated to missing/exploited children issues (1-800-THE-LOST).
An indictment remains an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt; sentencing considerations lie within federal district court jurisdiction following U.S Sentencing Guidelines alongside statutory factors assessment.