The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide enforcement effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex predators. This operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders over five days. The initiative involved all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States 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 their partners for their work in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel added, "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."
In Connecticut, five individuals were charged with federal child exploitation crimes as part of this operation. Steven Taylor from Hartford was charged with production and possession of child pornography. Ryan Perry from East Hartford faced charges related to transportation, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. Stephen Dickson from Colchester was charged with coercion and enticement of a minor for sexual activity along with possession-related offenses. Joshua Bailey from Milford and Elizabeth Jordan from West Haven were charged with receipt and distribution offenses involving minors.
Marc H. Silverman, Acting U.S. Attorney for Connecticut, emphasized that charges are only allegations until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. He acknowledged law enforcement's efforts in adapting to new technologies used by offenders.
Anish Shukla from FBI New Haven highlighted their commitment to protecting children through collaboration with various partners.
Operation Restore Justice also saw arrests across other states for crimes such as production, distribution, possession of abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for sex trafficking purposes.
This effort coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It is part of Project Safe Childhood initiated by the Department in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation.
The public is encouraged to report suspected exploitation through various channels including an FBI tipline or visiting cybertipline.com.
