Shannon T. Hanson Acting United States Attorney for the District of Delaware | U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware
The Department of Justice has announced the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and apprehending child sex predators. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders over five days. This effort involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices across the country.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's commitment to protecting victims, particularly children. "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 stated. Bondi also praised the FBI for their role in Operation Restore Justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel reiterated this commitment, stating that "every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation." He added that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten."
In Delaware, Justin Enright was arrested for violating probation terms related to previous federal child sexual abuse charges. Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware Shannon T. Hanson highlighted Enright's case as an example of why coordinated law enforcement efforts are crucial.
Other arrests across the nation included a state trooper in Minneapolis accused of producing child sexual abuse material while in uniform, an illegal alien in Norfolk charged with transporting a minor for sex, and a former police officer in Washington D.C. accused of trafficking minors.
FBI Baltimore Special Agent William J. DelBagno noted that each arrest sends a message against crimes targeting children: “Every arrest made in these cases delivers justice and sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.”
Parental vigilance played a key role in several cases. In one instance, a California man was arrested hours after a victim reported abuse following an online safety presentation.
This operation follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood to combat child sexual exploitation since its launch by the Department of Justice in May 2006.
The Department collaborates with organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to address such issues. They encourage public vigilance through reporting suspected exploitation via various channels including an FBI tipline.
An indictment remains an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
