The Department of Justice announced on May 6 the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a nationwide effort that located over 200 child victims and led to the arrest of more than 350 alleged child sex abuse offenders during April. The operation involved all FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices across the country, including action in the Western District of Michigan.
Operation Iron Pursuit was launched as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, aiming to address ongoing concerns about child sexual exploitation. The department said these crimes remain a significant law enforcement issue.
“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.” FBI Director Kash Patel added, “Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country... Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
Two individuals were charged in the Western District of Michigan as part of the operation. Matthew David Coad was indicted on charges related to distribution and possession of child pornography; if convicted due to prior offenses, he faces mandatory minimum sentences ranging from ten to fifteen years up to thirty years in prison. Christopher Patrick Owens was indicted on seven counts involving sexual exploitation or attempted exploitation and one count related to attempted coercion; convictions could result in sentences from ten years up to life imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “You can see from this one-month snapshot that child sexual exploitation remains a major law enforcement concern for all of us, including the Western District of Michigan. We have adapted our investigative methods as these child predators have moved onto the internet, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to bring these offenders to justice.” Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge at FBI Detroit Field Office stated: “Our participation in Operation Iron Pursuit is another example of the work we do every day in Michigan... I am grateful for the dedicated efforts... whose work continues to safeguard our communities and protect children from those who seek to harm them.”
This recent initiative follows other operations such as Relentless Justice (December 2025), Enduring Justice (August 2025), and Restore Justice (May 2025), which together resulted in hundreds more rescues and arrests nationwide.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan handles federal prosecutions and civil cases while supporting victims throughout its jurisdiction covering approximately 1.6 million residents; it employs about seventy staff members across multiple offices according to the official website.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding suspected exploitation or abuse involving children contact law enforcement through established tip lines.
