The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to identify and arrest child sex predators. This operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders across the country. The coordinated enforcement was carried out over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, along with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division and United States Attorney’s Offices nationwide.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's commitment to protecting victims, particularly children. "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 stated. Bondi also expressed gratitude towards the FBI and their partners for their efforts in Operation Restore Justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted that "every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation." He added that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach, reinforcing a strong message against those who prey on children.
David Clay Fowlkes, United States Attorney for Western Arkansas, noted that making communities safer begins with protecting vulnerable children. He stated that this operation is vital in prosecuting individuals involved in child abuse while demonstrating collaborative partnerships with law enforcement agencies.
Alicia D. Corder, FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge, remarked on the dedication of law enforcement partners in protecting children within communities. She affirmed that investigations into these crimes remain a priority for her office.
The arrests include various allegations such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for illegal activities, and child sex trafficking. Notable cases involve a state trooper arrested in Minneapolis for allegedly producing abusive material while wearing uniforms and an illegal alien accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex in Norfolk, VA.
Parental vigilance played a crucial role in several cases. In one instance, a California man was arrested hours after a young victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This initiative aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It underscores ongoing efforts to prevent crimes against children through community education and awareness-raising activities.
Operation Restore Justice is part of Project Safe Childhood launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. The project coordinates federal resources to locate offenders exploiting children via the internet while rescuing victims.
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation through various channels including tips.fbi.gov or local FBI field offices.