Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have announced a nationwide effort to combat child sexual abuse. The initiative, led by the FBI, aims to identify, track, and arrest those involved in child exploitation. As part of Operation Restore Justice, 205 individuals have been arrested across the United States since late April, with 115 children rescued. Charges against these individuals include production and distribution of child pornography, online enticement, and child sex trafficking.
In California's Central District, which encompasses Los Angeles and Orange counties, five defendants face federal charges:
- Andrew Castillon from El Monte was charged with possession of child pornography. He is out on a $5,000 bond pending arraignment on May 27.
- Jose Olvera from North Hollywood faces charges of distributing and possessing child pornography. He pleaded not guilty and remains jailed without bond awaiting trial on June 23.
- Steven Martin Nuss from San Juan Capistrano has been indicted for distribution and possession of child pornography. He also pleaded not guilty; his trial is set for July 1.
- David Eugene Parker from La Palma was indicted for possession of child pornography. Released on a $100,000 bond after pleading not guilty; his trial is scheduled for June 24.
- Gregory Cole Jr., originally failing to appear at his trial last month in Arizona where he was found guilty in absentia for several offenses related to child exploitation. His sentencing is slated for June 23.
Two other individuals were arrested in Los Angeles under separate charges related to sexual exploitation but are being prosecuted elsewhere.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the emotional impact left by predators: “Sexual predators who target children leave emotional scars that can last a lifetime.” Akil Davis from the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office remarked on the operation's significance: “The amount of child predators arrested during Operation Restore Justice should shock the conscience.”
April marked National Child Abuse Prevention Month; this initiative highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to protect children through programs like the Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) and partnerships with organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The public is encouraged to report suspected cases through various tiplines provided by the FBI.