An FBI mission dubbed “Operation Restore Justice” led to the arrest of hundreds of alleged child sex predators, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ said 55 FBI field offices spent five days working with government agencies across the country to arrest 205 people and rescue 115 children.
What was Operation Restore Justice?
“Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach, and no child will be forgotten,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
The operation commissioned the help of more than 90 U.S. attorneys offices. Announcing the effort, Attorney General Pam Bondi urged parents to stay vigilant about their children’s online activity, saying a watchful eye can help keep them safe.
“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 said.
What charges and punishments do they face?
Bondi has instructed federal prosecutors not to enter into negotiations or plea deals with the individuals arrested during the operation. Suspects are facing various charges, including child sex trafficking, online enticement, and the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.
The DOJ’s press release includes an example from Minneapolis, where a state trooper was arrested for “producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms.” Patel said the trooper faces up to 15 years in prison for his alleged crimes.
Two other examples include a Mexican migrant in the country illegally who allegedly transported a minor across state lines for the purpose of sex, and a former police officer in Washington, D.C. who was arrested for allegedly trafficking minors.
Falls under the initiative ‘Project Safe Childhood’
The operation falls under the 2006 initiative known as “Project Safe Childhood,” launched by the Department of Justice to reduce child sexual exploitation and abuse.
April was National Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to the FBI, the agency partnered with state and local law enforcement to make hundreds of arrests in crimes against children.
