Leigha Simonton, United States Attorney, Northern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas
The Department of Justice has revealed the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide initiative aimed at apprehending child sex offenders. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals involved in child sexual abuse across the United States. This effort was carried out over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, alongside the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Criminal Division and various U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's dedication 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 reinforced this commitment, noting that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten." He highlighted the collaboration between federal, state, and local partners in conveying a clear message: there is no refuge for those exploiting children.
Acting United States Attorney Chad Meacham expressed pride in law enforcement's relentless pursuit of justice for exploited children. "United with their efforts, this Office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders," he affirmed.
Special Agent R. Joseph Rothrock from FBI Dallas noted that criminals targeting children pose a threat to community safety. He acknowledged the importance of each member within the North Texas Child Exploitation Task Force in dismantling such threats.
Several arrests were made as part of Operation Restore Justice in Texas:
- Angel Ramirez Flores was arrested in Lamesa for attempted transfer of obscene material to minors.
- Michael Huffman was detained in Fort Worth for distributing child pornography.
- Otho Earl London faced charges for possession of child pornography after being apprehended in Azle.
- Harold Lee Hill was taken into custody in Rockwall on charges related to transporting a minor with intent for criminal sexual activity.
- Jose Lizandro Trevino Rodriguez was arrested in Dallas for distribution offenses.
- Emmanuel Jacobo Reyes from Raleigh faced production charges following his arrest.
- Robert Rayel from Benbrook was charged with multiple offenses including attempted sexual exploitation.
These cases fall under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts across various levels of law enforcement.
The department also collaborates with organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to receive tips about potential exploitation via its hotline or website. Public vigilance remains crucial; suspected cases can be reported through various channels provided by the FBI.
