Sean P. Costello U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama
The Department of Justice has announced the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide operation targeting child sex predators. The effort led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders across the United States. This operation was conducted over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, in collaboration with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within the Department's Criminal Division, as well as U.S. Attorney's Offices nationwide.
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 its partners for their work in this operation.
FBI Director Kash Patel remarked on the agency's dedication to protecting 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."
In Mobile, Alabama, three individuals were charged with federal crimes related to child sexual abuse offenses. James Eugene Dees faces charges including possession of child pornography. Zachary Norris is charged with distribution of child pornography, while Jason Jones faces multiple charges including sexual exploitation of minors.
Other arrests made during this operation involved various serious offenses such as production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for illegal purposes, and child sex trafficking. Notably, arrests included a state trooper in Minneapolis accused of producing abuse material while in uniform and an illegal alien in Norfolk charged with transporting a minor for sex.
Community involvement played a significant role in several cases. In one instance, a California man was apprehended after a young victim reported abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This initiative coincides with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April. It highlights ongoing efforts under Project Safe Childhood, which was launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child exploitation.
The Justice Department continues to partner with organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to address these issues. The public is encouraged to report suspected cases through various channels provided by law enforcement agencies.
An indictment is considered an allegation until proven otherwise in court.
