Between April 28 and May 1, 2025, the FBI executed Operation Restore Justice, an initiative aimed at identifying and arresting child sex offenders. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals across the country. Six arrests occurred in Georgia: Austin Hunter Bedingfield, Ian Dudar, Kenneth Frazier, Eduardo Gardea, Connie Lynn Thompson, and Christopher Welcher.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department's dedication 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."
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commended law enforcement partners for their efforts against crimes targeting minors: “Sex crimes against minors are especially heinous,” he said.
FBI Director Kash Patel reiterated the agency's commitment: “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation.”
Paul Brown from FBI Atlanta stressed that this operation is part of a continuous effort to combat child exploitation.
The defendants were indicted by federal grand juries in Georgia and have been arraigned before a magistrate judge. Each faces various charges related to possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Hertzberg noted that these indictments are merely accusations; guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including local police departments. This operation coincided with National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April 2025 and is part of Project Safe Childhood initiated by the Department of Justice in 2006.
For further details or reporting suspected exploitation, contact information for relevant authorities has been provided.
