The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex predators across the United States. The operation led to the location of more than 205 child victims and the arrests of over 293 individuals accused of child sexual abuse offenses. The enforcement action was carried out over two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice. Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes."
FBI Director Kash Patel said, “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable. This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.”
Among those charged is Van Laurence Barker, 33, who faces one count each of attempted online enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography. Barker is scheduled for arraignment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky on January 13, 2026. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Yannelli from Louisville is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner for the Western District of Kentucky commented, “Barker’s arrest reflects the FBI’s exceptional work in protecting the most vulnerable victims of our communities—our children. This is work that the FBI prioritizes day-in-and-day-out, and is highlighted through the success of Operation Relentless Justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands shoulder to shoulder with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners across the Commonwealth to ensure that people like Van Laurence Barker are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson from FBI Louisville added, "FBI Louisville, along with our law enforcement partners throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, will not stand by while the children of our state are preyed upon by predators. These child predators and the crimes they commit will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. This effort, while highlighted under Operation Relentless Justice, remains a constant priority for the FBI and we will continue to hold these criminals accountable.”
The charges filed during this operation include production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement; transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Among those arrested were an airman from Dallas along with his wife for producing illegal material involving children; a police officer from Raleigh accused of distributing such material while expressing interest in abusing children; as well as other cases involving previously deported individuals with prior criminal records.
The operation also addressed rising cases involving sextortion—where offenders coerce or extort minors into producing explicit content—including arrests related to Greggy’s Cult leaders and an incident where a Virginia man allegedly persuaded a minor to produce illegal material leading her to attempt suicide.
This latest initiative follows earlier efforts: Operation Restore Justice in May resulted in rescuing 115 children with 205 offenders arrested (including one from Western District of Kentucky), while Operation Enduring Justice in August rescued 133 children with 234 arrests (also including one from Western District).
The FBI's Victim Services Division provided support services such as forensic interviews and referrals for medical or mental health resources during this operation.
These actions are part of Project Safe Childhood—a national program started by DOJ in May 2006—to combat internet-based exploitation against minors using coordinated federal resources alongside state and local agencies (https://www.justice.gov/psc).
The Department works closely with organizations like National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives reports via its hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or online at https://missingkids.org.
Officials encourage anyone suspecting child exploitation to contact authorities through various tip lines or local FBI offices.
It is noted that indictments are allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
