The Department of Justice has announced the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated effort to track and arrest child sex predators. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 offenders across the nation. This initiative was carried out over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices nationwide.
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 efforts in Operation Restore Justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.” He added that Operation Restore Justice sends a clear message that there is no hiding place for those who prey on children.
In one instance during this operation, the FBI Omaha Field Office arrested three individuals, served four federal search warrants, and identified 15 victims from about 1,000 images submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
A federal grand jury in Davenport charged Anthony Charles VanMeter with receipt and possession of child pornography. VanMeter is already serving an eight-year term of supervised release for a prior conviction. An indictment is merely an allegation until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
FBI Omaha Special Agent Eugene Kowel commented on the impact of these arrests: “The harm child sexual predators inflict is vast. Locking them up is one of the most important actions the FBI and our law enforcement partners can take to protect children.”
Other arrests included individuals accused of producing or distributing child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for illegal purposes, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, a state trooper was arrested for allegedly producing abuse material while in uniform. In Norfolk, VA, an individual from Mexico faces charges related to transporting a minor across state lines.
Community vigilance played a significant role in these efforts. A California man was arrested shortly after a young victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This operation follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April by emphasizing prevention through education. The Justice Department continues its commitment through Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative started in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation via federal collaboration with local entities.
The Department collaborates with organizations like NCMEC which operates hotlines receiving tips about potential exploitation cases. The public is encouraged to report suspected cases through various channels including tips.fbi.gov or local FBI offices.