The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort aimed at identifying and arresting alleged child sexual abuse offenders. The operation led to the arrest of 205 individuals over five days, coordinated by 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, stating, "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 FBI's efforts and instructed prosecutors not to negotiate with offenders.
FBI Director Kash Patel reiterated this commitment: "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 added that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach.
In Kentucky's Eastern District alone, nine defendants were charged with various offenses related to child exploitation. These include charges against Jason Back for online enticement of a minor; Jesus Chavez for producing child pornography; Jordan A. Cobb for online enticement and cyberstalking; Austin Hawk for transporting a minor across state lines for sexual activity; Nathan Smith for distribution and possession of child pornography; Michael Moon for receiving and possessing child pornography; Timothy Ray Dale for production and possession of child pornography; Finley Wooton for attempted production of child pornography. One indictment remains under seal.
Acting U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey highlighted the harm caused by these offenses: “Child exploitation offenses inflict lasting harm on the most vulnerable members of our society.” He affirmed that prosecuting such crimes remains a top priority.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson praised FBI Louisville’s task force efforts during Operation Restore Justice: “Our increased efforts over the last month resulted in removing some of our community’s most heinous criminals.”
Operation Restore Justice coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April. The initiative is part of Project Safe Childhood, launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation.
The department partners with organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to receive tips about potential exploitation through its hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or missingkids.org. The public is encouraged to report suspected cases through various channels including tips.fbi.gov or local FBI field offices.
