The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and arresting child sex predators. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders. Conducted over five days, this effort involved 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 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 towards the FBI and their partners for their work in Operation Restore Justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency's commitment to protecting children: “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 United States Attorney John C. Gurganus highlighted the partnership with the FBI in prosecuting crimes against children: “Operation Restore Justice illustrates our longstanding commitment and partnership with the FBI to vigorously prosecute crimes against children.”
In Pennsylvania's Middle District, Robert Haley was charged with producing and possessing child pornography. Charles Edward Slate faced charges for allegedly distributing child pornography. Nationwide arrests included various offenses such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.
Community outreach played a significant role in these arrests. In one instance, a California man was apprehended after a young victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation.
This operation coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It is part of Project Safe Childhood launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation.
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation through various channels including the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.
An indictment remains an allegation until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
