The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex offenders. This operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals across the United States. The operation was conducted over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, along with various divisions within the Department of Justice.
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 expressed gratitude for the efforts made by the FBI and their partners in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten." He highlighted the collaborative strength between federal, state, and local partners in sending a message that there is no refuge for those who exploit children.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. reaffirmed their commitment to prosecuting those who harm children: "Our office will bring the full force of the law against those who exploit innocent children."
In Michigan's Eastern District, several arrests were made as part of this operation. Adarius Carr from Belleville faces charges related to child pornography distribution and possession. Aroul Kaliamurthy from Westland is charged with transporting and possessing child pornography after allegedly filming a minor in North Carolina. Scott Rocky from Centerline is accused of sharing thousands of files containing child pornography online. Amor Pedro Martinez from Ecorse faces similar charges involving explicit conversations and receiving illicit material via messaging applications. Whitney Williams is charged with sex trafficking a minor.
Nationwide, other arrests included offenses such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for illegal purposes, and sex trafficking.
Community vigilance played a crucial role in these cases; for instance, an offender was apprehended in California shortly after a victim reported abuse following an educational presentation by FBI agents.
This initiative follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April and aligns with Project Safe Childhood's goals to combat child exploitation since its inception in May 2006.
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation through available channels including the FBI’s tipline or local field offices.
An indictment or complaint remains an allegation until proven otherwise in court.
