On May 9, 2025, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to combat child sexual exploitation. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders over five days. This initiative involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. 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 for the work done by the FBI and its partners during 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 out of reach and no child will be forgotten."
Acting United States Attorney Chad Meacham praised law enforcement partners for their dedication in bringing offenders to justice. Special Agent R. Joseph Rothrock highlighted the importance of dismantling threats posed by criminals who prey on children.
Several individuals were arrested in Texas as part of this operation. Among them were Angel Ramirez Flores in Lamesa; Michael Huffman in Fort Worth; Otho Earl London in Azle; Harold Lee Hill in Rockwall; Jose Lizandro Trevino Rodriguez in Dallas; Emmanuel Jacobo Reyes from Raleigh, North Carolina; and Robert Rayel from Benbrook, Texas. These defendants face various charges related to child sexual exploitation.
The arrests extend beyond Texas with cases such as a state trooper in Minneapolis accused of producing abuse material while wearing uniforms, an illegal alien from Mexico charged with transporting a minor for sex in Norfolk, VA, and a former police officer arrested for trafficking minors in Washington D.C.
The Justice Department's efforts align with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April. The department remains committed to protecting children through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood launched in May 2006.
The department collaborates with organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to share tips about potential exploitation. They urge public vigilance and reporting through channels such as the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.