Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide enforcement effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex predators. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders over five days. It 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 also expressed gratitude to the FBI and their partners for their work in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel commented, “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 emphasized that Operation Restore Justice shows no predator is beyond reach.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine Craig M. Wolff remarked on the vulnerability of children in society: “Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society and can suffer the effects of sex abuse for a lifetime.”
James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, noted that child predators come in many forms. He stated that despite being horrific, these crimes are not rare.
As part of this operation, seven individuals were arrested by FBI Boston, including Joseph A. Maile from Presque Isle, Maine. Maile was charged with attempting to sex traffic a child and enticement of a minor through social media.
The operation saw arrests across various states for crimes such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material and online enticement. Notable cases include a state trooper in Minneapolis producing abuse material while wearing his uniform and an illegal alien in Norfolk accused of transporting a minor for sex.
Parental vigilance played a key role in some arrests. In one case, a California man was apprehended shortly after a young victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation.
This effort follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It highlights ongoing commitments to protecting children through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006.
The Department encourages public vigilance against child exploitation via its tipline or local FBI offices. Indictments remain allegations until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.