Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
The Department of Justice has announced the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide operation 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. This effort was conducted over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, along with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division and various U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
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 this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the agency's commitment: “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.”
Those arrested are alleged to have committed crimes such as producing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In South Dakota specifically, Brandon Rouillard was arrested after engaging in inappropriate conversations with a minor on Facebook.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell highlighted collaboration efforts: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of South Dakota routinely partners with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to hold accountable those who seek to sexually exploit children through social media applications and gaming platforms.”
Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., from FBI Minneapolis stated: “Protecting children from exploitation is one of the FBI’s highest priorities... Those who exploit children should know there is no hiding place - we will find you and bring you to justice.”
Community involvement played a significant role in these arrests. Parents are encouraged to discuss responsible Internet use with their children frequently.
This initiative aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. The cases form part of Project Safe Childhood initiated by the Department of Justice in May 2006.
The public is urged to report suspected child exploitation via multiple channels including calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or visiting tips.fbi.gov.
