Clinton J. Johnson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to combat child sex abuse. The operation led to the arrest of 205 offenders and the rescue of 115 children. This 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 emphasized the department's commitment to protecting victims: “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 for the work done by the FBI and local partners.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten." He highlighted collaboration with federal, state, and local partners as key to sending a message that predators have nowhere to hide.
U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson noted that more than 200 offenders were charged over five days in April. He credited law enforcement collaboration for this success. FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater reiterated society's role in safeguarding children: “Operation Restore Justice is not just about upholding the rule of law – it’s about standing up as a society for the safety of children.”
Two arrests were made in Oklahoma during this operation. Jonathan Gross from Mounds was indicted for possession of child pornography. Kaleb Smith from Bartlesville faces charges including sexual abuse of a minor in Indian Country.
Other cases across the nation include various crimes such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. Notably, arrests included a state trooper in Minneapolis accused of producing abusive material while wearing uniforms.
Parental vigilance played a crucial role in some cases; one example involved an arrest within hours after a young victim reported their abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This operation follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It underscores their ongoing commitment to protecting children through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood launched by DOJ in May 2006.
The public is urged to report suspected exploitation via several channels including FBI’s tipline or local field offices. Resources are available for parents on protecting children against such crimes.
Jonathan Gross's case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert with investigations conducted by FBI-Oklahoma City field office. Kaleb Smith's case involves both FBI-Oklahoma City field office investigations with Bartlesville Police Department assistance; prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury.
It should be noted that indictments are allegations until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
