Today, the Department of Justice announced the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex predators. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 offenders over five days. This coordinated action involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States 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 its partners for their work in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that “every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation,” adding that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach. He highlighted the collaboration between federal, state, and local partners in sending a message that there is no refuge for those who prey on children.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith noted that technological advances have escalated these crimes' nature and pervasiveness. She affirmed her office's commitment to working with partners to locate offenders and ensure prosecution.
Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel from the FBI Sacramento Field Office reiterated the FBI's dedication to ending abuse cycles and bringing perpetrators to justice through cooperation with law enforcement partners.
In specific cases within California's Eastern District, arrests included a Lodi man accused of using Freenet for sharing child pornography files and a Solano County man allegedly trafficking a missing 16-year-old girl from Sacramento County. Nationwide arrests involved various offenses such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.
Parental vigilance played a significant role in some cases. For instance, a California man was arrested shortly after a young victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation at an Albany school.
This initiative follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood—a program launched in May 2006—to combat child sexual exploitation by coordinating resources for locating offenders via internet activities while rescuing victims.
The Department collaborates with organizations like NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) which operates hotlines for reporting potential exploitation cases. Public vigilance is encouraged through resources like tips.fbi.gov or local FBI field offices.
An indictment remains an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.