Two Maryland men have been indicted on charges related to child sexual abuse as part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Iron Pursuit, according to a May 7 announcement from federal authorities.
The indictments highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute individuals involved in the exploitation of children. The operation, which ran from April 1 through April 30, focused on finding victims and arresting offenders nationwide.
Tarif Jahmil Alston, 43, of Baltimore, and Gleybar Josue Ramirez-Clemente, 21, of Frederick, are accused of sexually exploiting children. Alston faces five counts of receipt and two counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material as well as one count for possession. Ramirez-Clemente is charged with sexual exploitation of a child, coercion and enticement, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche; FBI Director Kash Patel; Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul (FBI Baltimore Field Office); and Clinton J. Fuchs (U.S. Marshal for the District) announced the results alongside other officials. "This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you," Blanche said. "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." Patel said: "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." Hayes added: "One of our highest priorities is protecting the most vulnerable members of our community... We will continue working closely with our community and law enforcement partners to secure justice for every victim." Paul stated: "Operation Iron Pursuit is another example... we are taking dangerous child predators off the streets to face justice in federal court." Fuchs said: "The recovery of critically missing children and pursuit of child predators is a top priority... operations like this one serve as a reminder that we will not rest until fugitive sex offenders are brought to justice..."
During Operation Iron Pursuit nationwide efforts resulted in more than 200 recovered victims and over 350 arrests involving offenses such as exploitation or trafficking crimes.According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney for the District prosecutes federal crimes—including those involving public safety—and employs over 200 personnel serving nearly six million residents across Maryland.
Authorities reminded that an indictment does not constitute guilt; those charged remain presumed innocent until proven otherwise at trial or plea proceedings where sentences may differ from statutory maximums based on judicial discretion.
Recent cases included several notable arrests outside Maryland—such as defendants from Ohio convicted or charged with producing AI-generated obscene material or cyberstalking exes—as well as rescues including a Utah minor recovered after being taken abroad under suspicious circumstances.
The Department partners with organizations like NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children), providing hotlines at missingkids.org or via phone lines so citizens can report suspected crimes against minors.According to the official website, since its founding following an act in 1789—the office has maintained its role prosecuting federal offenses while supporting civil actions involving government interests.
