The Department of Justice has revealed the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex predators. This operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders across the United States. The initiative involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within the Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized, “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 their partners during this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated, “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.” He highlighted that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon noted, “Protecting our community means identifying, arresting and holding accountable anyone who would prey on children,” while expressing appreciation for law enforcement efforts both locally and nationally.
In San Diego, Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi commented on each arrest as a testament to law enforcement's dedication: “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for victims and holding predators accountable.”
In California's Southern District alone, four individuals were arrested on federal charges:
- Seth Wheeler was indicted for distributing images involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
- Adam Harrison Bryant faced charges after being found with child pornography; he had prior convictions related to illicit sexual conduct.
- Kristho Angel Valdez was charged with receiving sexually explicit content from minors via Snapchat.
- Christopher David Miller was investigated after attempts were made using Freenet to obtain child pornography; electronic devices containing such material were found at his residence.
Nationwide arrests include offenses such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for sexual purposes, and trafficking. For instance, in Minneapolis an Army Reservist allegedly produced abuse material while in uniform; Norfolk saw an illegal alien accused of transporting a minor across state lines; Washington D.C.'s case involved a former police officer allegedly trafficking minors.
Parental vigilance played a key role in some cases; notably in California where an offender was apprehended following a young victim's disclosure during an FBI school presentation near Albany.
Operation Restore Justice aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by DOJ every April—highlighting its ongoing commitment towards protecting children through Project Safe Childhood launched back in May 2006—marshalling resources against internet-facilitated exploitation crimes while raising awareness about prevention strategies.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit www.justice.gov/psc or contact NCMEC’s hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or missingkids.org. The public can report suspected exploitation via FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov or local field offices.
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.
