The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to combat child sexual abuse. The operation, which involved all 55 FBI field offices, resulted in the arrest of 205 offenders and the rescue of 115 children. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's commitment to prosecuting child predators, stating that "we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us."
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the operation's success in apprehending offenders across various locations. "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten," he said. Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus reiterated this commitment by emphasizing partnerships with federal agencies to hold offenders accountable.
In Pennsylvania's Middle District, two individuals were charged with offenses related to child pornography. Robert Haley from York County was charged with producing and possessing child pornography involving minors. Charles Edward Slate from Harrisburg was indicted for distributing and possessing such material.
Nationwide arrests included a state trooper in Minneapolis accused of producing child sexual abuse material while in uniform and an illegal alien in Norfolk charged with transporting a minor for sex.
Community involvement played a crucial role in some cases, as demonstrated by an incident where a California man was arrested shortly after a victim reported their abuse following an online safety presentation.
The operation coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April, reinforcing the department's dedication to protecting children through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood. This program aims to address child exploitation by coordinating efforts at federal, state, and local levels.
The Justice Department also collaborates with organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to report suspected exploitation via hotlines and online resources.
Authorities encourage public vigilance and reporting of suspected cases through various channels provided by the FBI.