The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide initiative targeting child sex predators. This coordinated effort led to the arrest of 205 individuals and the rescue of 115 children over a five-day period. The operation involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within 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 also 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," highlighting that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach. He added that by utilizing resources from federal, state, and local partners, they are sending a message that there is no safe haven for those who prey on children.
In Washington's Western District alone, seven federal cases have progressed with charges related to targeting minors for sexual abuse. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller remarked on the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse both online and in person.
Special Agent W. Mike Herrington from the FBI Seattle field office reported ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation throughout the year. He noted that in Seattle alone, 122 subjects were arrested, and 59 children were identified or located during this fiscal year.
Several notable cases emerged from this operation:
- Mitchell Francis Dufault was sentenced to ten years in prison for distributing images of child sexual abuse.
- Shante Broady faces charges related to sex trafficking involving both adult and juvenile victims.
- Adam Ronald Ingram was indicted for producing child pornography.
- Michael L. Gershowitz pleaded guilty to possessing images of child sexual abuse.
- Randy Lee Young was charged with production of child pornography after allegedly molesting a minor.
- Shaughn P. Lambert was indicted for possession of images of child sexual abuse while under supervision.
- Steve Ray Marical pleaded guilty to possession charges following a cyber tip-off.
Additional arrests across the nation include various offenses such as production and distribution of abusive material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and trafficking.
Parental vigilance played a significant role in these investigations; one case involved a California man arrested shortly after a victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This initiative coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April. It highlights the Department's commitment to protecting children through Project Safe Childhood, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. This project aims to combat child exploitation by coordinating resources at federal, state, and local levels.
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation through various channels including the FBI’s tipline or local field offices.
These prosecutions are being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Cecelia Gregson and Kate Crisham along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon from King County Prosecutors Office.
