The Department of Justice (DOJ) has just announced the results of a massive operation that led to over 200 child predators being arrested by the FBI.
“Operation Restore Justice” also resulted in 115 children being rescued from pedophiles.
In a Wednesday morning press release, the DOJ confirmed that 205 child predators were arrested in sweeping raids.
The massive nationwide five-day operation saw all 55 FBI field offices involved in the sting.
In a statement, the FBI said:
“The Federal Bureau of Investigation has concluded a national surge of resources to arrest accused child sex abuse offenders and combat child exploitation.
“In a coordinated effort by all 55 FBI field offices called Operation Restore Justice, 205 people were arrested nationwide, and 115 children were rescued across the country during the five-day surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation’s success proves “no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said Patel.
“Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten.
“By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
In the press release, the DOJ added:
“Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking.
“In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniform.
“In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex.
“In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.”
In one example, a California man was arrested after his victim told FBI agents about the abuse.
The victim spoke with agents after an online safety presentation at the child’s school near Albany, New York.
In another case, 51-year-old Justin Enright of Millsboro, Delaware arrested after violating the terms of his probation.
Enright is a felon convicted of federal child sexual abuse charges.
46-year-old Joel Thomas Biermann of University Park, Maryland, was indicted for multiple charges for crimes against children
The charges include two counts of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material.
29-year-old Donald Robert Wilt Edwards, Sr. of West Virginia, was indicted for sexually exploiting a minor.
Edwards was also hit with three counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of child pornography.
Hailing the success of the bust, Attorney General Pam Bondi said:
“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us.
“I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice, and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”
The FBI’s press release explained:
“This initiative, taking place between April 28th and May 2nd, was a joint effort with federal, state, and local partners to coincide with the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlight the FBI’s ongoing efforts to confront these crimes.
“Investigating child sex abuse is an ongoing, high-priority mission of the FBI.
“The FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program coordinates and bolsters efforts to counter all threats of abuse and exploitation of children that fall under FBI jurisdiction—including the production, sharing, and possession of child sexual abuse material; domestical or international travel to engage sexually with children; and the extortion of children to provide sexually explicit material of themselves.
“VCAC also helps to identify, locate, and recover child victims and strengthen partnerships that are critical to prevent abuse and capture offenders.
“The FBI investigates cases through Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) located in each field office, allowing the FBI to combine resources with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The FBI also partners with the nonprofit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.”
To report the potential exploitation of a child, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), visit tips.fbi.gov, or call your local FBI field office.
