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 across the United States. The effort was coordinated by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s 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 towards the FBI and its partners for their work in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation," adding that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach. He highlighted the collaboration between federal, state, and local partners as key to sending a message that there is no hiding place for those who prey on children.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo reinforced this sentiment by stating that these arrests should send a clear message about their commitment to tracking down and prosecuting those targeting children.
In Buffalo, Matthew Miraglia, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office, remarked on the dedication shown by law enforcement partners during this operation. He assured continued efforts to hold predators accountable.
Among those arrested in Western New York were Brian Keith from Niagara Falls; Matthew Kowalski from Kenmore; Samari Thompson from Buffalo; and Jamie R. Anderson also from Buffalo. Each faces charges related to possession of child pornography.
Nationwide arrests included individuals accused of various crimes such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for illegal purposes, and child sex trafficking. Notable cases include a state trooper in Minneapolis allegedly producing abuse material while in uniform and an illegal alien in Norfolk accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex.
Community outreach played a significant role in some arrests. For instance, a California man was apprehended after a young victim reported abuse following an online safety presentation at an Albany school.
This operation aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April by emphasizing protection for children and raising awareness about their vulnerabilities. The Department continues its commitment through Project Safe Childhood—an initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation via various channels including the FBI's tipline or local field offices. Resources are available through partnerships like those with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Investigations leading to arrests in Western New York involved multiple agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force alongside state police departments.
All defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt within court proceedings.
