On May 7, 2025, the Department of Justice announced the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort to apprehend child sex offenders. This operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals involved in child sexual abuse offenses. The initiative was conducted over five days with participation from 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 nation.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba emphasized the commitment of her office to prosecute these crimes: “The success of Operation Restore Justice shows the Department of Justice’s unwavering dedication to finding and prosecuting child predators. I will apply the full power of my office to bring these criminals to justice and ensure the safety of every child.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi reiterated this dedication: “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.”
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the collaborative efforts involved: “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.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly noted that this operation aligns with ongoing efforts beyond Child Abuse Awareness Month: “This week was a snapshot of the never-ending work our agents and TFOs do day in and day out to apprehend and hold accountable the vilest of criminals.”
In New Jersey alone, five arrests were made between April 28 and May 2, 2025. These included charges against David Tuytjens for possession of child pornography; Natasha Rivas for distribution; Dwayne Smalls Jr. for distribution; Elliott Souder for receipt and possession; and Keshawn Harley for possession, production, and sex trafficking.
Other arrests across various states included charges such as production, distribution, possession of abuse material, online enticement, transportation of minors, and sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, a state trooper was arrested for allegedly producing abuse material while wearing his uniform. In Norfolk, VA an illegal alien from Mexico faced accusations related to transporting a minor across state lines.
Community involvement played a crucial role in these arrests through parental vigilance and outreach efforts.
Operation Restore Justice coincided with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed by the Department in April. It underscores their commitment through Project Safe Childhood launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
The public is encouraged by The Department to report suspected exploitation via FBI's tipline or local field offices.
