The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide initiative targeting child sex offenders. The operation led to the arrest of 205 individuals and the rescue of 115 children over a five-day period. It involved collaboration among all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide.
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 FBI's efforts and emphasized her directive against negotiation with offenders.
FBI Director Kash Patel remarked on the agency's 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.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti from Utah highlighted local efforts, stating that protecting children is a top priority in their district. Special Agent Mehtab Syed added that online predators are a significant threat to children with internet access.
In Utah, federal charges were brought against Gustavo Uroza-Rodriguez for attempted coercion and enticement, distribution, and possession of child pornography; Melissa Goodrich was charged with trafficking a minor. Across the country, various other crimes were addressed including production and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Community vigilance played a crucial role in several arrests. A California man was apprehended within hours after a victim reported abuse following an online safety presentation at a school in New York.
Operation Restore Justice coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April. It underscores ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood—a program launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
The Department partners with organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to share information on potential exploitation cases. They encourage public vigilance through resources such as the FBI tipline.
An indictment is merely an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
