The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort aimed at apprehending child sex offenders. The operation, which spanned five days and involved all 55 FBI field offices along with various U.S. Attorney’s Offices, resulted in the arrest of 205 individuals and the rescue of 115 children.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's commitment to protecting victims, stating, "The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims." She expressed gratitude towards the FBI and local partners for their efforts in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the significance of this initiative by stating, "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten." He stressed that those who exploit children have nowhere to hide.
In Hawaii, two individuals were arrested: Dominick Kalikokaeoeo Howard was charged with distributing child pornography, while David Martin Garcia Perez faced charges related to receiving and possessing such material. Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson reiterated Hawaii's commitment to protecting children and prosecuting offenders under federal laws.
FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter praised collaboration with state and local law enforcement as essential for extending reach into communities and ensuring rapid response to threats against children.
Nationwide arrests included various offenses such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for sex trafficking, among others. Notable cases included a state trooper from Minneapolis allegedly producing abuse material while in uniform and an illegal alien in Norfolk accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sexual purposes.
Community involvement played a crucial role in some arrests; one example involved a California man arrested shortly after a victim reported abuse following an online safety presentation near Albany, N.Y.
This operation aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It underscores ongoing efforts through Project Safe Childhood—an initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child exploitation via internet resources—and partnerships like those with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation through available hotlines or directly contacting local FBI offices. It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.