Today, the Department of Justice revealed the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort aimed at identifying and apprehending child sex predators. This nationwide 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 Criminal Division, and United States 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 local partners for their work on this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel remarked 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 emphasized that through collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, a clear message is being sent: those who prey on children have nowhere to hide.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine Craig M. Wolff thanked FBI Boston for their efforts in identifying and arresting those accused of preying on vulnerable victims. James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI’s Boston Division, noted that "as horrific as these alleged crimes are," they are not uncommon. He assured commitment from FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation - Human Trafficking Task Force to find these abusers.
Among those arrested was Joseph A. Maile from Presque Isle, Maine. He faces charges related to allegedly attempting to sex traffic a child using social media accounts.
Other arrests included individuals accused of producing or distributing child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking across various locations such as Minneapolis, Norfolk VA., Washington D.C., among others.
Parental vigilance played a crucial role in some cases; for instance, an arrest was made in California shortly after a young victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This operation aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It emphasizes ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood—an initiative launched in May 2006 by DOJ—to combat child sexual exploitation via internet-based crimes while also raising awareness about dangers faced by children today.
The Department collaborates with organizations like NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) providing resources such as hotlines for reporting suspected exploitations at any time via phone or website platforms available nationally.
Public vigilance remains vital; reports can be made through FBI's tipline services or local field offices if suspicions arise regarding potential exploitation activities targeting minors within communities nationwide.
Indictments remain allegations until proven otherwise beyond reasonable doubt during legal proceedings where defendants hold presumption innocence status throughout judicial processes ahead accordingly too always remember importantly so!
