The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated nationwide initiative targeting child sex predators. The operation, which lasted two weeks, involved all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country. Authorities located more than 205 child victims and arrested over 293 individuals suspected of child sexual abuse offenses.
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 emphasized the agency’s commitment: “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.”
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois Gregory M. Gilmore commented on his office’s role: “Our office is unwavering in its commitment to prosecuting crimes against children. The prevention and prosecution of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a critical part of our mission to keep our community safe. We are grateful for our partnership with the FBI in pursuing these important cases.”
FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J.S. Johnson added, “During this operational time frame, FBI Springfield made multiple arrests in the Southern and Central District of Illinois. These operations are successful due to a combination of local and state partnerships, the relentless work of our investigative bodies, and the commitment we have to keeping our local neighborhoods safe.”
In one case from Illinois, Daniel Brannan of Jacksonville was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to trafficking in and possessing child pornography.
The individuals arrested during Operation Relentless Justice face accusations including 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 charged alongside his wife for producing illegal material involving children; a police officer from Raleigh accused of distributing such material while discussing intent to engage in sexual acts with minors; and a previously deported Guatemalan national apprehended by Miami authorities for alleged involvement in enticing a minor.
Authorities also addressed rising sextortion cases through arrests such as five leaders associated with Greggy’s Cult and a Virginia man who allegedly persuaded a 14-year-old girl to produce illegal images—after which she attempted suicide following his instructions.
Operation Relentless Justice follows earlier efforts this year—Operation Restore Justice in May rescued 115 children with 205 offenders arrested; Operation Enduring Justice in August resulted in 133 rescues with 234 arrests.
The FBI’s Victim Services Division provided support during these operations by conducting forensic interviews with victims, offering referrals for medical or mental health care, and coordinating assistance among agencies.
These actions are part of Project Safe Childhood—a program launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating online child exploitation through cooperation among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department works closely with organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives tips about possible exploitation via its hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST or through its website at https://www.missingkids.org/.
Officials encourage members of the public who suspect incidents involving exploitation or abuse to report them using the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at https://tips.fbi.gov/, or by contacting their local FBI office.
An indictment is an allegation only; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
