The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to apprehend child sex offenders. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals involved in child sexual abuse offenses. Conducted over five days, this initiative was executed 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 across the country.
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 their partners for their work in Operation Restore Justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten." He noted that by utilizing resources from various field offices and partners at different government levels, they are sending a message that there is no safe haven for those who exploit children.
In North Carolina, six arrests were made as part of this operation. Among those arrested was John Matthew Miller from Wilmington, charged with multiple offenses including sex trafficking of a minor. Jesse Lonzo Teal from Bolivia faces charges related to sex trafficking and promoting an illegal prostitution business enterprise. Other individuals arrested include William Justin Lewis from Louisburg, Donte Melvin Peek from Durham, Jonathan Robert Davlin from Huntersville, and Terrell Shawn Anderson previously from Charlotte.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina remarked on these cases: “These important cases reflect the unwavering commitment of our office and our justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of our community—our children."
Robert M. DeWitt, FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina highlighted how pedophiles use common platforms for criminal activities: “Producing and exchanging child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a sickening reality in our world... No matter where this crime is occurring the FBI will find you."
Nationwide arrests included various crimes such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for illegal purposes, and child sex trafficking.
Community efforts played a significant role in these arrests; one example involved a young victim coming forward after an online safety presentation leading to an arrest within hours.
This operation aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It also underscores ongoing efforts through Project Safe Childhood launched by DOJ in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation via internet channels.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or reporting suspected exploitation visit www.justice.gov/psc or contact NCMEC's hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or tips.fbi.gov.