The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to apprehend child sex offenders. This operation led to the arrest of 205 individuals and the rescue of 115 children over five days. The initiative involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. 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 its partners for their work 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 noted that by leveraging federal, state, and local partnerships, they are sending a message that there is no safe haven for those who prey on children.
In Wisconsin's Eastern District, Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced charges against two individuals as part of this operation. Troy Schaden was charged with receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography after authorities seized electronic devices containing illicit material from his home. Victor Vega Rojo faced similar charges; he was found to possess hundreds of images distributed via BitTorrent.
“The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with the FBI and all federal, state, local, and tribal partners to zealously prosecute individuals who produce or distribute child sexual abuse material,” said Frohling.
FBI Milwaukee Special Agent Michael Hensle reinforced their commitment: “Through ‘Operation Restore Justice’...we’re dedicated to keeping kids safe in our Wisconsin communities.”
Nationwide arrests included various offenses such as production and transportation of minors for illegal purposes. In Minneapolis, a state trooper was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing uniforms. In Washington D.C., a former police officer faced allegations related to trafficking minor victims.
Community vigilance played a crucial role in some cases; one example cited involved an arrest made hours after a victim disclosed abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This operation aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April by emphasizing prevention efforts alongside prosecution initiatives like Project Safe Childhood. This project focuses on combating internet-based exploitation through collaboration between U.S Attorneys’ Offices and other agencies since its launch in May 2006.
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation via resources such as NCMEC’s hotline or directly through FBI channels including tips.fbi.gov or local field offices.
