The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex offenders. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals across the United States. This nationwide crackdown was executed over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, alongside the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division and various U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
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 towards the FBI and their partners for their efforts in 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 beyond reach. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson noted that this joint operation highlights an unrelenting effort to identify and prosecute those responsible for exploiting youth.
In New Orleans, Jonathan Tapp, Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans, reaffirmed the commitment to pursuing justice for victims. In Louisiana's Eastern District, Lance Rotolo Jr., a resident of Harvey, was indicted on multiple counts related to sexual exploitation of children.
Rotolo faces significant legal consequences if convicted. He could serve between 15 to 30 years in prison for certain charges, with additional penalties possible for others. His indictment includes allegations of producing visual depictions involving minors engaged in explicit conduct.
Operation Restore Justice involved numerous arrests nationwide with varied charges including production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for illegal purposes, and trafficking.
Parental vigilance played a crucial role in several cases. For instance, a California man was apprehended quickly after a young victim reported abuse following an online safety presentation.
This initiative follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April and underscores ongoing efforts by the Department to combat child sexual exploitation under Project Safe Childhood launched in May 2006. This project marshals resources at federal, state, and local levels to locate offenders using internet platforms while rescuing victims.
The Department encourages public vigilance against suspected child exploitation through reporting mechanisms like the FBI’s tipline or local field offices.
