S. Lane Tucker, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office District of Alaska
The Department of Justice has revealed the results of Operation Restore Justice, a national effort targeting child sex offenders. This operation led to the arrest of 205 individuals and the rescue of 115 children. The FBI spearheaded this initiative in collaboration with its field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide.
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 work done by the FBI and their partners during this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel reiterated this dedication, noting that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten." He stressed that the combined efforts send a clear message to offenders.
In Alaska, U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman highlighted local law enforcement's role in protecting children from exploitation. Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day praised collaborative efforts that identified those accused of crimes against children.
Three individuals were indicted in Alaska as part of this operation: Jonathan Herra from Kenai, Donovan Nungasak from Utqiagvik, and Kristian Seward from Anchorage. Each faces charges related to child pornography offenses.
Nationwide arrests included various offenses such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material and child sex trafficking. Notable cases include an Army Reservist in Minneapolis charged with producing abuse material while in uniform and a former police officer in Washington D.C. arrested for trafficking minors.
Community vigilance played a crucial role in some arrests, as demonstrated by a California man's apprehension following a young victim's report after an online safety presentation.
This initiative aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. The Department remains committed to combating child exploitation through Project Safe Childhood, launched in 2006 to address these crimes comprehensively.
The Justice Department collaborates with organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to gather tips on potential exploitation cases. They encourage public reporting through available hotlines and online resources.
As these legal proceedings unfold, it is important to remember that indictments are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Sentencing decisions will consider U.S. Sentencing Guidelines alongside other factors.
