The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and arresting child sex offenders. This operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals involved in child sexual abuse across the United States. The coordinated effort was conducted over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide.
In the Southern District of Georgia, two individuals were arrested as part of this operation. Michael Alexander James from Waynesboro, GA, and Martin Lindner from Augusta, GA, have been charged with possession of child pornography according to federal indictments recently unsealed.
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 for the work done by the FBI and its partners during Operation Restore Justice.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation," adding that "Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten."
Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons noted that possessing child pornography perpetuates victimization and highlighted ongoing collaboration with law enforcement partners to protect vulnerable citizens.
Nationwide arrests include various charges such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors for sex, and child sex trafficking. Notable cases include a state trooper in Minneapolis allegedly producing abuse material while in uniform; an illegal alien in Norfolk accused of transporting a minor for sex; and a former police officer in Washington D.C. charged with trafficking minors.
Parental vigilance played a crucial role in several cases. In California, a man was arrested hours after a young victim disclosed their abuse following an online safety presentation at school.
This operation follows National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It highlights continued efforts under Project Safe Childhood—an initiative launched in May 2006—to combat child sexual exploitation through federal-state collaboration.
The public is urged to report suspected exploitation via the FBI's tipline or local field offices. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) also receives tips through its hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST.
An indictment is merely an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
