The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to combat child sexual abuse. The operation, which took place over five days, resulted in the arrest of 205 offenders and the rescue of 115 children. This coordinated enforcement effort involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) within the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices across the country.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's commitment to protecting victims: “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 also expressed gratitude towards the FBI and their partners for their work on this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated, “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 demonstrates that "no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten."
In Alabama's Northern District, two individuals were arrested for federal crimes related to child sexual exploitation. U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona commented on these arrests: “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society remains a top priority.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge James DeLoatch III highlighted law enforcement efforts: “Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Charges were filed against Jalan Christophe Lewis from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, involving multiple offenses such as attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Similarly charged was Robert John Newman Jr., from Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.
Nationwide arrests include allegations like production and distribution of child sexual abuse material. In Minneapolis, a state trooper was arrested for allegedly producing such material while wearing uniforms. In Norfolk, Virginia, an individual is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex.
Parental vigilance played a role in some cases; one incident led to an arrest just hours after a victim disclosed abuse following an online safety presentation.
This initiative aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through various resources.
The public is encouraged by the FBI to report suspected exploitation through designated tiplines or local field offices.
These cases were investigated with assistance from several task forces including those based in Birmingham and Pittsburgh. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys R. Leann White and Daniel S. McBrayer.
An indictment contains only charges; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.