A nationwide law enforcement operation led by the Department of Justice has resulted in the identification of 205 child victims and the arrest of 293 individuals accused of child sexual abuse offenses. Operation Relentless Justice was conducted over two weeks, involving all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country.
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.”
In Michigan’s Western District, Robert Mark of Whitehall was charged with sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of children as well as possession of child pornography. Authorities allege Mark used his position as leader of an all-girl Scouting America troop to secretly record explicit videos using hidden cameras during events at his home. If convicted on charges related to sexual exploitation of a minor, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge for FBI Detroit Field Office, commented: “Operation Relentless Justice demonstrates the FBI’s firm commitment to protecting children from those who violate positions of trust and exploit them. The defendant allegedly used his role as a Scout Leader to target young girls, which is deeply troubling and violates the trust our community puts in its youth leaders. I want to thank our FBI Grand Rapids WEBCHEX Task Force, the Michigan State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan for their partnership in this case. FBI Detroit will never waver in pursuing anyone who violates children and use every means possible to hold them accountable.”
Timothy VerHey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan added: “I commend the FBI for acting quickly to investigate these allegations. The conduct outlined in the court documents will not be tolerated, especially when it is done by someone who has promised to watch over the children of others.”
Other cases from Operation Relentless Justice include arrests for production or distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), online enticement or transportation of minors for illegal purposes, and sex trafficking involving minors. Among those arrested were an airman from Dallas charged alongside his wife with producing CSAM; a Raleigh police officer accused of distributing CSAM; and a Guatemalan national previously deported but found again after multiple prior arrests.
The operation also addressed rising cases where offenders use online platforms for sextortion—such as one case involving five leaders from Greggy’s Cult—and incidents where suspects persuaded minors into creating CSAM under threat or coercion.
Previous operations this year included Operation Restore Justice in May—which rescued 115 children—and Operation Enduring Justice in August—with 133 rescues—demonstrating ongoing efforts by federal agencies against such crimes.
The FBI’s Victim Services Division provided support services throughout this operation including forensic interviews as well as referrals for medical or mental health care.
These initiatives are part of Project Safe Childhood—a program launched by DOJ in May 2006—to marshal resources at every level against internet-based child exploitation crimes (more information at https://www.justice.gov/psc).
The Department also works closely with organizations like National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which operates a tipline at 1-800-THE-LOST or online at https://www.missingkids.org/home.
Authorities urge anyone suspecting child exploitation to contact law enforcement via FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), through https://tips.fbi.gov/, or their local field office.
It is noted that criminal complaints are only allegations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
