Ali M. Summers Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois
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 country. This coordinated effort was conducted over five days with participation from 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 emphasized the department's commitment to protecting victims, particularly children. "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 stated.
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the agency's dedication to pursuing those who exploit 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," he said.
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft condemned child sex offenders as a "moral disgrace" and reiterated support for law enforcement partners in eradicating such crimes.
In Illinois' Southern District, four individuals face federal charges related to child sexual exploitation offenses. These include Ryan G. Jones for production of child pornography, Trevor W. Yokley for attempting to entice a minor, Jared K. Galbraith for sexual exploitation of children and transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and Christopher A. Geisen for transportation of child pornography.
Additionally, six individuals were arrested by the Illinois State Police Division during an operation targeting those seeking sex acts with minors in Madison County.
Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine expressed gratitude for partnerships aimed at protecting children against predators.
The arrests across various states involved crimes such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.
Parental vigilance played a crucial role in some cases; notably, a California man was apprehended shortly after a young victim reported abuse following an online safety presentation.
Operation Restore Justice coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. The initiative 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 tipline or local field offices.
Investigations are being led by the FBI Springfield Field Office with assistance from local sheriff departments while prosecutions are handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Reppert, Ali Burns, and Kim Arshi.
