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7 May 2025
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Seven in the Western District of MichiganRead the Press Release
May 7, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge advised that “With this operation, we are amplifying the message that the Department is fully committed to securing justice for the most innocent of victims: children in our communities.”
“Operation Restore Justice highlights the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The members of the FBI Grand Rapids WEBCHEX Task Force and the Lansing Resident Agency appreciate the vital support from our partners, including the Michigan State Police, Kent County Sheriff's Office, Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, Newaygo County Sheriff's Office, Norton Shores Police Department, Grand Rapids Police Department, Lansing Police Department, and the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office. This coordinated effort led to numerous arrests across western Michigan and in Arkansas and Tennessee, with crucial assistance from the FBI Little Rock (Texarkana Resident Agency) and Nashville (Knoxville Resident Agency) Field Offices. Operation Restore Justice demonstrates our shared commitment to public safety in Michigan and throughout the United States.”
In the Western District of Michigan, seven individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes: Christian Vanderveen, of Comstock Park; Paul Masko, of Grand Haven; Terry Hopkins, of Muskegon Heights; Martell Scott-Ware, of Grand Rapids; Shauntelle Blackmon, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; Joesph Brandon, of Knoxville, Tennessee; and George Edward Lebaron, of Egelston Township.
* Christian Vanderveen, 24, of Comstock Park, was charged by Complaint with Sexual Exploitation of a Child. According to court documents, Vanderveen repeatedly requested sexually explicit images from a minor who was under the age of thirteen. Evidence obtained from his cell phone revealed the sexually explicit media, as well as Vanderveen’s requests. In an interview with law enforcement, Vanderveen admitted to this conduct.
If convicted, Vanderveen faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 30 years.
This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police and FBI.
# # #
* Paul Masko, of Grand Haven, was indicted for three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child. Each charge is punishable by a minimum of 15 years, and a maximum of 30 years, in prison.
Masko was a teacher at a public school in Muskegon County. The indictment alleges that Masko gave his phone to a minor victim and directed the minor to take pictures of explicit images of the minor on the minor’s cell phone.
This case was investigated by the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department, the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, and the FBI.
# # #
* Terry Hopkins, of Muskegon Heights, was indicted for possession of child pornography.
Hopkins was previously convicted of possession of child sexually abusive material on two occasions and criminal sexual conduct with a minor. As a result, he is subject to an enhanced sentence if convicted – a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police, Michigan Department of Corrections, and the FBI.
# # #
* Martell Scott-Ware, 29, of Grand Rapids and Shauntelle Blackmon, 23, of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, were indicted on criminal charges related to alleged sexual exploitation of a child. The grand jury also returned a separate charge accusing Blackmon alone of sex trafficking of a child.
According to court documents, Scott-Ware and Blackmon are charged with persuading a minor female under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity, which Scott-Ware and Blackmon then recorded. Blackmon also allegedly recruited and offered the same minor for commercial sexual activity, both in the Western District of Michigan and in Arkansas.
If convicted, Scott-Ware and Blackmon each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison on their charge of sexual exploitation of a child. Blackmon faces a separate mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison on the sex trafficking charge.
The Michigan State Police and FBI investigated this case.
# # #
* Joseph Brandon, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was arrested by criminal complaint on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child. According to court documents, Brandon formed an agreement with a man in Michigan to use social media accounts to produce and trade child pornography.
If convicted, Brandon faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 30 years.
This FBI investigated this case
# # #
* George Edward Lebaron, of Egelston Township, was arrested by criminal complaint on charges related to alleged coercion and enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Lebaron is charged with establishing an online relationship with a 14-year-old girl and coercing and inducing her to send him naked pictures of herself. Lebaron asked another minor girl to also send him naked pictures. Lebaron was previously convicted in 2003 of criminal sexual conduct in the second degree for a victim under 13 years old.
If convicted, Lebaron faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison if convicted of coercion and enticement. If convicted of receipt of child pornography, he faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison. If convicted of possession of child pornography, Lebaron faces a mandatory minimum of 10 year and a maximum of 20 years in prison.
The FBI is investigating this case.
# # #
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
A complaint and an indictment are merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including One in the District of South DakotaRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
Those arrested around the country 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 South Dakota, the FBI received a Cybertip through NCMEC that Brandon Rouillard, age 31, of Evergreen, South Dakota, had engaged in sexual conversations with a local 14-year-old girl over Facebook. The FBI investigated the Cybertip and learned Rouillard requested that the 14-year-old send him sexual videos and images constituting child sexual abuse material. Rouillard received and saved the child sexual abuse material to his Facebook account. Rouillard also discussed meeting the 14-year-old for a sexual encounter. Rouillard was arrested on a criminal complaint on May 1, 2025, and his initial appearance was held before a federal magistrate judge on May 2, 2025. He was detained pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 9, 2025.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of South Dakota routinely partners with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to hold accountable those who seek to sexually exploit children through social media applications and gaming platforms,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “Whether part of a nationwide effort, a local operation, or an individual investigation, our office does not shy away from aggressively prosecuting those who use the Internet to take advantage of vulnerable youth in our communities.”
“Protecting children from exploitation is one of the FBI’s highest priorities,” said Special Agent in Charge, Alvin M. Winston Sr., of FBI Minneapolis. “Operation Restore Justice underscores the strength of our partnerships and our shared determination to bring child predators to justice. Those who exploit children should know there is no hiding place - we will find you and bring you to justice.”
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. It is of vital importance that parents and guardians talk frequently and openly with children about responsible Internet use. It is also essential that the community understands the warning signs of cyberbullying and sextortion, including:- Sudden changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, anxious, or secretive;
- Abruptly deleting social media accounts or frequently creating new accounts;
- Turning off or hiding devices in the presence of a parent or other adult;
- Clearing their web browser cache and/or history;
- Unexplained money or gift cards; and
- Spending less time with friends.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. These types of cases are brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including One in the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen said, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local FBI partners have a long history of prioritizing these types of cases and working together to achieve justice for victims of these crimes. We were proud to contribute to this initiative.”
On April 29, 2025, Kody Dickes, 34, of Ashland, Nebraska, was arrested by criminal complaint for distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Western District of MissouriRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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 Western District of Missouri four individuals, Clinton Gray, 47, Joplin, Mo., Andrew Charles Nicholls, 38, Columbia, Mo., and Trevor Scott Teegarden, 34, Liberty, Mo., along with one additional defendant were arrested last week in separate cases. Charges include attempted production of child pornography, attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and receipt and possession of child pornography. All charging documents have been unsealed following their arrests last week.
These Western District of Missouri cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. They were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Kansas City Child Exploitation Task Force, Boone County Sheriff’s Cyber Crime Task Force, Joplin, Missouri, Police Department, Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Southern District of CaliforniaRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“Protecting our community means identifying, arresting and holding accountable anyone who would prey on children,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “I’m grateful for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement in this district and across the nation, and our office will continue to prioritize these prosecutions to obtain justice for these vulnerable victims.”
“Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for victims and holding predators accountable.”
In the Southern District of California, four individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including:
- Seth Wheeler, who was indicted for distribution of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Wheeler is alleged to have distributed child pornography on two different occasions in September 2024, and in possession of child pornography in October 2024. He was previously arrested by the state and remained in state custody until he was indicted on federal charges.
- Adam Harrison Bryant, a convicted sex offender who was charged with possession of child pornography. The investigation of Bryan began when it was suspected that he had attempted to purchase child pornography from a website using cryptocurrency. A search warrant was executed on May 1, 2025, and Bryant was arrested when he was found in possession of an electronic device that contained child pornography. He was previously convicted in 2008 of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and enticing a child and was sentenced to 40 months and 24 months, concurrent, followed by ten years of supervised release.
- Kristho Angel Valdez, whowas charged with receipt of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Law enforcement officials were notified that two minor victims were exchanging sexually explicit content, including images and videos, through Snapchat with an unknown individual. Valdez was identified as the potential user of the Snapchat account and a search warrant for the account revealed thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of minors. On March 12, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Valdez’s residence. Valdez admitted to receiving sexually explicit videos from the minor victims.
- Christopher David Miller, who was charged with attempted receipt and possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Agents began investigating Miller when they determined that IP addresses linked to his current and former residences attempted to obtain child pornography using Freenet, a peer-to-peer file sharing platform. A search warrant was executed at Miller’s residence on April 9, 2025, and Miller was found to be in possession of electronic devices containing child pornography.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 5 in the Western District of TexasRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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 Western District of Texas, five individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including Kevin Dale Franklin Jr. in El Paso, charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography; Zaid Mashhour Haddad and Mario Garcia Martinez in San Antonio, charged with access with intent to view child pornography and possession of child pornography, respectively; James Christopher Hoyt in Austin, charged with distribution of material involved the sexual exploitation of children; and Dakota Gunther Vaught in Pecos, charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
“Cases involving the sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, will always be a priority for this U.S. Attorney’s Office, as it is most certainly our duty to protect our most vulnerable citizens—children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “These operations are significant in that they bring a vast number of resources together to carry out a shared mission and highlight critical criminal cases, but know that we work with our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners year-round and around the clock to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who violate children, their rights and federal law.”
“The FBI will deploy every resource available to investigate and bring to justice those who sexually exploit children, our most vulnerable population,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “None of this would be possible without the collective efforts of the FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force Officers. We also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership and dedication to this important mission.”
"The FBI El Paso Crimes Against Children Task Force is unwavering in its mission to combat the horrific crime of child exploitation," said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for the FBI El Paso Field Office. "We pursue these cases relentlessly, every day, without exception because protecting children from predators is among our highest priorities, and we will stop at nothing to identify, investigate the abuse of innocent children, and bring these monstrous individuals responsible to justice. Day-in and day-out we work together with our law enforcement partners to ensure these predators face the full consequences of their depraved actions. Let this message be clear: if you exploit a child, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will make sure you face the full power of the justice system. There will be no refuge for those who prey on our most innocent and vulnerable.”
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 3 in the Southern District of AlabamaRead the Press Release
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 3 in the Southern District of Alabama
MOBILE, AL – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“Protecting south Alabama from predators is a mission we pursue day in and day out,” said Sean P. Costello, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. “Criminals who seek to exploit, abuse, or harm children in our community will find dedicated, talented prosecutors and law enforcement agents who are all eager to bring them to justice.”
Timothy O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge of the Mobile Field Office of the FBI, said: “The FBI is unwavering in its commitment to identifying and apprehending those who prey on children. Through relentless investigation and strong partnerships, the FBI works tirelessly to protect our communities and safeguard the most vulnerable – our children. The dedication of the men and women behind these efforts is a clear reflection of the FBI’s core mission and values.”
In the Southern District of Alabama, 3 individuals were charged with federal crimes, including:James Eugene Dees, charged with Possession of Child Pornography, Possession of Obscene Visual Representations of the Sexual Abuse of Children, and Penalties for a Registered Sex Offender.
Zachary Norris, charged with Distribution of Child Pornography and Access with Intent to View Child Pornography.
Jason Jones, charged with Sexual Exploitation of Minors, Coercion and Enticement, Distribution of Child Pornography, Access with Intent to View Child Pornography, and Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kidsAn indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 2 in the District of HawaiiRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“Our pledge to protect Hawaii’s keiki is among the most solemn and critical commitments we make to our local community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Working with our outstanding law enforcement partners we have consistently and aggressively pursued child predators and those who seek to exploit children either for profit or their own twisted gratification. Our efforts in Operation Restore Justice, including last week’s arrests, demonstrate the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to investigate, charge, and convict those who violate federal child protection laws.”
“The FBI is unwavering and united with its partners in the fight to protect children,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Our collaboration with state and local law enforcement allows us to extend our reach into communities, respond faster to threats, and ensure survivors get the support they need. FBI Honolulu will continue to conduct proactive arrest operations targeting those seeking to harm our children—we’ll work to get these predators off the streets and keep our kids safe.”
In the District of Hawaii, two individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including Dominick Kalikokaeoeo Howard, who was charged by criminal complaint with distributing child pornography, and David Martin Garcia Perez, who was charged by criminal complaint with receiving and possessing or accessing child pornography.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Six in North CarolinaRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
The FBI’s Charlotte Field Office arrested six people as part of this operation across North Carolina.
- John Matthew Miller, of Wilmington, 35, is charged with sex trafficking of a minor; enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct; and producing, distributing, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material. Miller was previously convicted of sexual battery and was a registered sex offender at the time of the offense. Miller faces at least 25 years and up to life in prison if convicted on all counts.
- Jesse Lonzo Teal, of Bolivia, 72, also known as “Lonnie” and “Mark,” is charged with sex trafficking of a minor, enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, producing child sexual abuse material, and using the internet to promote an illegal prostitution business enterprise. He faces at least ten years and up to life imprisonment if convicted on all counts.
- William Justin Lewis, of Louisburg, 54, is charged with distributing child sexual abuse material and possessing child sexual abuse material. He faces at least five years in federal prison and up to twenty years on each distribution count and up to twenty years on the possession count.
- Donte Melvin Peek, of Durham, 34, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor, distribution of child sexual abuse material, receipt of child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse material. He faces at least 10 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the enticement charge and up to twenty years in federal prison on the possession count, if convicted.
- Jonathan Robert Davlin, of Huntersville, 48, is charged with transportation of child sexual abuse material and possession and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent minors. He faces at least five years and up to twenty years imprisonment on the transportation count and up to twenty years imprisonment on the possession count.
- Terrell Shawn Anderson, previously of Charlotte, 30, is charged with distributing child sexual abuse material and possession child sexual abuse material. He faces at least five years in federal prison and up to twenty years on each distribution count and up to twenty years on the possession count. He was arrested by FBI Atlanta.
“These important cases reflect the unwavering commitment of our office and our justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of our community—our children. We will continue to work closely with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “There is no place in our community for those who prey on children, and we will do everything we can to not only seek justice for the victims, but to prevent additional child exploitation crimes.”
“Producing and exchanging child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a sickening reality in our world and it’s not just happening on the dark web. Pedophiles use the same platforms your family and friends use. No matter where this crime is occurring the FBI will find you. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program is uniquely positioned to work complex global and multijurisdictional crimes against children with the capacity to counter threats of abuse and exploitation of children,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 5 in the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation,” said FBI Director Kash 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. The FBI is relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.”
In the Middle District of Florida, five individuals were arrested and charged with federal offenses, including production, attempted production, receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and attempted transmission of harmful material to a minor.
“Children are among our society’s most vulnerable populations and must be protected at all costs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will leave no stone unturned in finding and prosecuting those who prey upon their innocence and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
“Operation Restore Justice underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Jason J. Carley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Every arrest in these child sexual abuse cases sends a powerful message: crimes against children will not be tolerated, and the FBI and our partners will continue to surge resources to bring abusers of children to justice.”
“This operation is an example of the ongoing, relentless determination of the special agents, task force officers, and analysts working to protect our most vulnerable,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor. “This is tough work; and I commend these investigative teams making it their mission to identify these predators and ensure that justice is served.”
Operation Restore Justice MDFL Arrests
Jacksonville
On April 30, 2025, Brittany Karen Firth (41, St. Augustine) was arrested on a criminal complaint charging her with production, attempted production, distribution, and receipt of CSAM. If convicted, Firth faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 70 years, in federal prison. According to the complaint, detectives with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children unit received information from a social media and gaming platform company that CSAM had been uploaded by user “xo.southpaw.ox,” later identified as Firth. A search warrant revealed that from May through September 2024, Firth engaged in approximately 5,000 online text messages with another platform user (Person 1) who was identified by law enforcement in Utah as a registered sex offender who had previously been convicted of a child sex offense. The investigation revealed that Person 1 had access to two children and during his online conversations with Firth, Person 1 exchanged sexually explicit messages regarding, among other things, Person 1’s desires and efforts to engage in sexual conduct with these children. Person 1 streamed live video of his sexualized interactions with the children to Firth. On several occasions, Firth screen-recorded live-streaming video of Person 1 as he sexually abused one of the children.
Ocala
Jordan Dave Persad (22, Phoenix) was arrested on April 30, 2025, on an indictment charging him with possession of CSAM and possession of contraband (a cellphone) by federal prisoner. If convicted, Persad faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the CSAM offense; he also faces up to one year of incarceration for the contraband offense. According to court documents while Persad was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County, he possessed a contraband cellphone and material that contained an image of CSAM.
Tampa
Lee Hughes (45, Pinellas Park), a third-grade teacher, was arrested on May 1, 2025, and charged with attempted transmission of harmful material to a minor. If convicted, Hughes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. According to court documents, from June 2024 to May 2025, Hughes communicated with an undercover officer in an attempt to engage in sexual intercourse with the undercover officer’s purported nine-year-old daughter. Throughout their communications, Hughes sent the undercover officer approximately 10 explicit photos and/or videos of himself, with the request that they be shown to the purported child. On May 1, 2025, Hughes traveled to an agreed-upon location to engage in sexual intercourse with the purported nine-year-old girl and was arrested.
Tampa
On May 1, 2025, Jonathan Richmond (30, St. Petersburg) was arrested on a two-count indictment charging him with receipt and possession of CSAM. If convicted, Richmond faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count.
Orlando
On April 29, 2025, Steve C. Gopal (42, Ocoee) was arrested on an indictment charging him with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Gopal faces a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.
An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face.
While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. 0
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 5 in the Eastern District of MichiganRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“We are called to protect the most vulnerable members of our community, our children,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. “Our office will bring the full force of the law against those who exploit innocent children. We are firmly committed to working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute anyone who seeks to hurt our children.”
"Operation Restore Justice demonstrates the strength of our law enforcement partnerships," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. "Members of the FBI Detroit Field Office's Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, along with the Macomb County FBI Gang and Violent Crime Task Force, greatly appreciate the coordinated efforts and support from our law enforcement partners, including ICE HSI, U.S. Border Patrol, CBP Air and Marine Operations, Macomb County Sheriff's Office, Shelby Township Police Department, Royal Oak Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Westland Police Department, and Centerline Police Department. This operation led to multiple arrests across eastern Michigan, underscoring our commitment to protecting and strengthening community safety."
Those charged in the Eastern District of Michigan were:
Adarius Carr, 36, of Belleville. Carr is charged in a criminal complaint with distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The complaint alleges that Carr communicated with a convicted sex offender over an Internet-messaging service. The two discussed their sexual interest in children and exchanged images and videos of child pornography.
Aroul Kaliamurthy, 53, of Westland, Michigan. Kaliamurthy was charged in a criminal complaint with transportation, possession, and access with intent to view child pornography. It is alleged that Kaliamurthy traveled to North Carolina where he took hidden camera videos of a naked prepubescent child. Kaliamurthy is alleged to have possessed these electronic devices as well as images of child pornography on his cell phone and personal computers and brought them back to the Eastern District of Michigan.
Scott Rocky, 57, of Centerline. Rocky was charged in a criminal complaint with receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography. The complaint alleges that Rocky shared approximately 4141 files believed to be child pornography with other internet users over peer-to-peer software.
Amor Pedro Martinez, 26, of Ecorse. Martinez was charged in a criminal complaint with receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography. According to the criminal complaint, Martinez is alleged to have engaged in sexually explicit conversations on a messaging application with other individuals and received child pornography on this application from another user.
Whitney Williams, 38. Williams was charged in a criminal complaint with sex trafficking of a minor. According to the criminal complaint, Williams is alleged to have advertised, rented hotel rooms and transported a minor victim to engage in commercial sex acts.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide CrackdownRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, NY.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide CrackdownRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Office around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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 Northern District of Alabama, two individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transferring obscene materials to minors, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society remains a top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “These arrests are the result of strong collaboration between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect victims from child exploitation. We will not rest until those who exploit and endanger our children are held accountable for their actions.”
“Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge James DeLoatch, III. “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for victims and hold predators accountable.”
Jalan Christophe Lewis, 31, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transferring obscene materials to minors, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. These incidents occurred between July 2024 and November 2024 in Tuscaloosa County.
Robert John Newman, Jr. aka “Robert John Newman,” 28, of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, was charged with sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement of a minor, and travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. These incidents occurred between December 2024 and January 2025 in Winston County, Alabama.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. In Norfolk, Virginia, 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, New York.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through our tiplines at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and FBI Pittsburgh’s Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated these cases with substantial assistance from the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, the Winston County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office, and the Shaler Township Police Department in Pennsylvania. Assistant United States Attorneys R. Leann White and Daniel S. McBrayer are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide CrackdownRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, NY.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
OAG, CRM
25-474
Do not reply to this message. If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide CrackdownRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is dedicated to combating child sexual exploitation and abuse with every available resource,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “Operation Restore Justice underscores that resolve and reflects the unrelenting commitment of this office, the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement and community partners to protect children.”
“Each arrest in Operation Restore Justice is sending this powerful message: if you are seeking to prey on our children, we will find you and we will bring you to justice without exception,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners stand shoulder to shoulder to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. Protecting children is not negotiable.”
In the Southern District of West Virginia, a federal grand jury indicted Konnor Wolfe Lyons, 34, of Huntington, on April 29, 2025, on three felony counts alleging Lyons possessed, received or attempted to receive child pornography between September 24, 2023, and November 4, 2024. The FBI arrested Lyons in Huntington on April 30, 2025. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. In Norfolk, Virginia, 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, New York.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other Online Resource
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
###
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including the Eastern District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“This joint operation signals our unrelenting effort to identify and prosecute those individuals responsible for the sexual exploitation of our nation’s youth,” stated Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. “Together with our law enforcement partners, our office stands ready and committed to utilizing our collective resources to bring justice to both the victims and the perpetrators of these crimes.”
“The FBI is unwavering in its fight to protect children,” said Jonathan Tapp, Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans. “Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us. It reaffirms the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims and hold predators accountable.”
In the Eastern District of Louisiana, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Lance Rotolo, Jr. (“Rotolo”), age 19, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was indicted on May 2, 2025 on five counts including, sexual exploitation of children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a) (Counts 1 and 2), distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2) (Count 3), receiving CSAM, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2) (Count 4), and transmitting extortionate interstate communications, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d) (Count 5).
According to the indictment, on or about December 19, 2024, Rotolo produced, and attempted to produce, a visual depiction of a female born in June 2011 (Victim 1) engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, between on or about January 12, 2025, and on or about February 17, 2025, Rotolo produced and attempted to produce a visual depiction of a female born in July 2009 (Victim 2) engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Rotolo also distributed visual depictions of minors, including children as young as approximately less than one (1) year old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct, such as a video Rotolo distributed on or about February 28, 2025. Rotolo also received visual depictions of minors as young as less than one (1) year old engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including a video he received on or about November 16, 2024. Finally, Rotolo sent Victim 2 messages threatening that he would send sexually explicit content Victim 2 had previously sent him, to Victim 2’s friends and family, unless Victim 2 continued to send Rotolo sexually explicit visual depictions.
Rotolo faces a mandatory minimum of fifteen (15) years in prison and a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years as to each of Counts 1 and 2. He faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years in prison and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years as to each of Counts 3 and 4. He faces up to two (2) years in prison as to Count 5. Rotolo further faces at least five years, and up to a lifetime, of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, for each count. He may also be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
* * *
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice:Read the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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 Delaware, Justin Enright, 51, of Millsboro, Delaware, a felon previously convicted on federal child sexual abuse charges, was arrested for violating terms of his probation including intent to view visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct or attempting to do so.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware Shannon T. Hanson, stated, “Enright is a repeat child predator, and his conduct underscores the importance of coordinated, nationwide law enforcement efforts such as Operation Restore Justice. Our communities and children are safer thanks to the FBI’s efforts. Collectively, we will continue to send the message that our children deserve to live in a safe environment without fear of harm or abuse and that predators who seek to prey upon our children will be found and held accountable.”
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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.
“Every arrest made in these cases delivers justice and sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated,” says FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “This operation highlights efforts FBI Baltimore, our Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, and our dedicated law enforcement partners continually make to protect children from the dangerous and predatory monsters seeking to exploit, harm and abuse.”
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice:Read the Press Release
May 7, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
"Children are the foundation of our communities. It is not their burden to protect themselves; it is our absolute responsibility as adults to shield them from the egregious predators charged today,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the exceptional and tireless work of our law enforcement partners and AUSAs Tiffany Preston, Carolyn Haney, Samantha Spiro, and Jeremy Kemper, who are doing their part to execute Operation Restore Justice.”
“Behind every arrest during Operation Restore Justice was a child who was being exploited – who was suffering in silence,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans. “These crimes are both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing and the FBI remains committed to identifying and investigating these cases and ensuring those who responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable. Our hope is that these children now have a chance to heal and to rebuild their lives in safety, free from fear and surrounded by the care and support they need.”
In the Southern District of Indiana, the following four individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes:
Defendant Name(s)Offense(s) ChargeRaymond Robert Lapensee, Jr., 33, of EvansvillePossession of Sexually Explicit Material Involving Minors (3 Counts)James Dean Collett, Jr, 29, of New AlbanySexual Exploitation of a Child and Attempt (4 Counts)
Possession of Child Pornography (2 Counts)
Eric Lee Dicken, 35, of ColumbusPossession of Child PornographyBeau R. Thornburgh, 45, of Lebanon
*Convicted sex offender
Possession of Child PornographyOthers arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this effort and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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- Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice:
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore JusticeRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“Advances in technology continue to escalate both the heinous nature and pervasiveness of these violent crimes that affect the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continuing its collaboration with our state, local and federal partners to locate these offenders and ensure that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“No child should ever have to suffer at the hands of a predator,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI is committed to breaking the cycle of abuse and ensuring those who exploit children are brought to justice. We work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify these offenders and to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
In the Eastern District of California, a Lodi man was arrested for allegedly using the Freenet network to share files of child pornography, and a Solano County man was arrested for allegedly trafficking a 16-year-old girl who had been reported missing from Sacramento County.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, New York.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore JusticeRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
As part of Operation Restore Justice, the following five individuals were charged in the District of Connecticut with federal child exploitation crimes:
STEVEN TAYLOR, 52, of Hartford, has been charged by indictment with production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. As alleged in the indictment and other court documents, Taylor used his smartphone and other devices to record sexually explicit videos and images of a minor female. Searches of the devices revealed more than 2,300 sexually explicit images and videos of prepubescent minors. Taylor was arrested on related state charges on October 24, 2024. On May 1, 2025, he appeared in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. He has been detained since his arrest.
RYAN PERRY, 39, of East Hartford, has been charged by criminal complaint with transportation, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. As alleged in court documents, in January 2025, Perry, who was on state probation for prior child exploitation offenses, was arrested for probation violations stemming from a 2024 home visit. A separate federal investigation identified Perry as a possible user of a darknet site where child pornography was uploaded and shared. In April 2025, analysis of a hard drive seized from Perry revealed approximately 2,900 images and videos of child sex abuse material. Perry was arrested federally on April 29, 2025, and is detained.
STEPHEN DICKSON, 47, of Colchester, has been charged by criminal complaint with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. As alleged in court documents, in September 2023, Dickson communicated on Kik Messenger with an FBI Online Covert Employee who was posing as the stepfather of a 14-year-old girl in Connecticut. During the communications, Dickson expressed a desire and willingness to engage in sexual activity with the fictitious girl. On September 22, 2023, Dickson was arrested and charged with state offenses after he traveled to a hotel in Wallingford to engage in sexual activity with the “girl.” Subsequent analysis of computers, hard drives, and a smartphone seized from Dickson revealed several hundred images and videos of suspected child pornography, and dozens of images of female children, likely downloaded from social media sites such as Facebook, that were digitally-manipulated to remove clothing in order to create child pornography. Dickson was arrested federally on May 1, 2025, and is released on a $150,000 bond.
JOSHUA BAILEY, 45, of Milford, and ELIZABETH JORDAN, 42, of West Haven, have been charged by criminal complaint with receipt and distribution of child pornography, transmission of a live visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor, and conspiracy to do so. As alleged in court documents, on March 12, 2024, Jordan engaged in sexual activity with a minor who was 17 and livestreamed the activity to Bailey using Facebook messenger. A subsequent search of Bailey’s phone revealed a series of screenshots of Jordan and the minor engaged in sexual activity. Bailey and Jordan have been detained since August 2024 when they were arrested for related state offenses. Bailey appeared in New Haven federal court on April 29 and Jordan appeared in New Haven federal court yesterday.
“The Connecticut U.S. Attorney’s Office has long been committed to protecting children by swiftly and vigorously prosecuting offenders,” said Marc H. Silverman, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. “Sex offenders continue to find new and evolving means to commit their crimes, including using social media and messaging applications to gain access to children, and, as noted specifically in one case we are pursuing, using an AI program to digitally convert real images to create child pornography. I thank our FBI colleagues, and all the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies focusing on this important effort, for staying ahead of the technology curve to investigate child exploitation crimes and apprehend these predators.”
“At FBI New Haven, protecting children is one of our most vital duties,” said Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Our Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force works in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to stop those who prey on our most vulnerable. Here in Connecticut, the FBI actively disrupts violent online extremist groups, sex trafficking rings, sextortionists, and other destructive criminal activity. We do this work in partnership with the community to ensure child victims are identified and receive the care they need. Whether these threats come from the real world or a digital one, the FBI will fight day and night to protect all children. We will never stop in our pursuit to find and arrest those responsible for these heinous acts.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. In Norfolk, Virginia, 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, New York.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, by calling your local FBI field office, or by visiting www.cybertipline.com.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit: Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kidsJustice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore JusticeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
As part of this operation, the FBI Omaha Field Office, with the assistance of our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, arrested 3 people, served 4 federal search warrants, and identified 15 victims from approximately 1,000 images submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Davenport returned a two-count indictment charging Anthony Charles VanMeter, 55, of Davenport, with receipt and possession of child pornography. VanMeter is serving an eight-year term of supervised release for a 2016 possession of child pornography conviction. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“The harm child sexual predators inflict is vast. Locking them up is one of the most important actions the FBI and our law enforcement partners can take to protect children,” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel. “We are proud of the work of our Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force in Operation Restore Justice and will remain relentless in our pursuit of these criminals to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, New York.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
- Violent Crimes Against Children
- How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore JusticeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society and can suffer the effects of sex abuse for a lifetime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine Craig M. Wolff. “My deepest thanks to FBI Boston and its state and local partners for their efforts in identifying and arresting those who allegedly preyed on these vulnerable victims.”
“There are few situations more urgent than when a child is physically at risk, and as ‘Operation Restore Justice’ has shown, child predators come in many different forms,” said James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “As horrific as these alleged crimes are, they are not rare. Make no mistake, FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation - Human Trafficking Task Force is committed to finding these child sex abusers, locking them up, and ensuring those they have victimized are safe and well-supported.”
As part of this operation, FBI Boston arrested and charged seven people, including registered sex offender Joseph A. Maile, of Presque Isle, Maine. Maile was charged by criminal complaint for allegedly attempting to sex traffic a child, and enticement of a minor. Maile allegedly used social media accounts to offer various minors money to engage in sex acts with him.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore JusticeRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“Operation Restore Justice represents our unwavering commitment to ridding our communities of child sex abusers,” said United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Last week I joined the FBI in Delaware County as they arrested one of these defendants, and I saw firsthand the hard work and dedication of the agents and task force officers working these cases. I am also proud to say that my Office accepted every one of the cases presented to us for prosecution.”
“Operation Restore Justice perfectly demonstrates the depth, breadth, and reach of the FBI,” said Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office. “Thanks to the invaluable assistance provided by our state and local law enforcement partners on our Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, eight dangerous predators were taken off the street in just five days. The FBI will continue to use every resource available to find and arrest these predators and ensure they can never hurt another child.”
Those arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), 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 CSAM while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, Virginia, 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents following an online safety presentation at a Capital Region school.
A criminal complaint or indictment is merely an allegation. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In the Northern District of New York, those arrested and charged, in separate cases, are:
- Jerry N. Butler III, age 19, of Walton, New York, who used a social messaging application to request and receive sexually explicit content from a minor. He faces at least 15 years in prison. Butler III is believed to be involved in the "764" network, whose members seek to corrupt and exploit vulnerable populations, including minors. Butler III is believed to have administrated an online offshoot of 764 that operated across multiple social media channels and whose members engaged in extortion of minors, coercive self-harm, harm to animals, and the production and dissemination of CSAM. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting this case.
- Steven Campbell, age 27, a citizen of the United Kingdom, who distributed CSAM to someone he believed to be a parent who would make their child available for Campbell to sexually abuse. Campbell also sent money to the parent so that the parent could bring the child to the United Kingdom for Campbell to sexually abuse. He faces at least 15 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle is prosecuting this case.
- Max Fishkind, age 24, of New Paltz, New York, who enticed a Maryland child into creating and sending him self-produced child sexual abuse material over Snapchat. He faces at least 15 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case.
- Kenneth House, age 59, of Pine Planes, New York, who communicated with an individual to discuss and plan his sexual abuse of a person he believed to be a child. House was arrested after arriving at a location in Albany County and paying $140 to a woman he believed to be the child’s caretaker. He faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Paulbeck is prosecuting this case.
- Terry Mead Jr., age 49, of Watervliet, New York, who used his cell phone to photograph the genitals of a 4-year-old child and distributed that photograph to another person. He faces at least 15 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda is prosecuting this case.
- Devine Ravine, age 20, of Riverside, California, who persuaded and induced a Rensselaer County minor to create child sexual abuse material, which the child then sent to Ravine over the Internet. He faces at least 15 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Rick Belliss are prosecuting this case.
- Bryan Silva, age 32, a Brazilian citizen residing in Schenectady, New York, who was arrested after responding to an advertisement on a social networking site offering sex with someone who appeared to be a child. He faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting this case.
- Gary Yorkshire, age 68, of Scotia, New York, who communicated with an individual to discuss and plan his sexual abuse of a person he believed to be a child. Yorkshire was arrested after arriving at a location in Albany County and paying $250 to a woman he believed to be the child’s caretaker. He faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Paulbeck is prosecuting this case.
If convicted, each defendant would also face a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, a fine, special assessments, mandatory restitution, and forfeiture of the device(s) used to commit the offense(s). A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Each defendant, if convicted, would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The FBI Albany Field Office and its Child Exploitation Task Force are investigating these cases. The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force is comprised of members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and Police Departments in Cohoes, Colonie, Rotterdam, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, and Watervliet.
This effort follows the Department of Justice’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, underscoring the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore JusticeRead the Press Release
205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the Western District of Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“Those who prey upon children leave a horrific trail of lives damaged and futures destroyed,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. “My office is proud to join with our partners at the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country to prioritize the safety of children and bringing justice to those who seek to harm them.”
“Operation Restore Justice is not just about upholding the rule of law – it’s about standing up as a society for the safety of children and showing predators that we will not allow them to rob kids of their innocence,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “The FBI is proud to collaborate with our law enforcement partners every single day to ensure anyone involved in criminal behavior against a child is brought to justice.”
Defendants in the Western District of Oklahoma have been charged as follows:
- COLT TRAVIS GLADDING, SR., 41, of Coyle, Oklahoma, has been charged by Complaint with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of material containing child pornography. According to the Complaint, on July 15, 2024, officers with the Troy Police Department (TPD) in Troy, New Hampshire, received a report regarding the sexual abuse of a minor. The minor reported that between the ages of 14 and 16, she lived in Coyle, Oklahoma, where she was sexually abused by Gladding several times over two years. Gladding also coerced the victim to send him photos that were sexual in nature. If found guilty, Gladding faces not less than 15 years and up to 50 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $500,000.
- DALTON CUNNINGHAM, 31, of Alva, Oklahoma, has been charged by Complaint with possession of and/or access with intent to view child pornography. According to the Complaint, the FBI obtained a federal search warrant for Cunningham’s phone and found videos and images of child sexual abuse material, including files depicting prepubescent children. If found guilty, Cunningham faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
*The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-Led Nationwide Crackdown, Including 4 in the Western District of New YorkRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, NY – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “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.”
“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 FBI Director Kash 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.”
“These arrests should send a clear message that, together with our law enforcement partners at all levels, we will track down and prosecute those who target our children,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. “Our office will never stop doing all that we can to protect children from these harmful predators.”
“Operation Restore Justice’ sends a powerful message: the FBI is unwavering and united in its fight to protect our children,” said Matthew Miraglia, the Special Agent-in- Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “These arrests demonstrate the unwavering dedication of the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Our work does not stop here. The FBI is committed to holding predators accountable and pursuing justice for victims.”
Arrested in the Western District of New York and charged with possession of child pornography are:
Brian Keith, 68, of Niagara Falls, NY. During the execution of a search warrant on March 13, 2025, at Keith’s residence, Niagara Falls Police officers seized a DVR, laptop, five hard drives and two tablets. A review of the electronic devices recovered images of child pornography. Keith is a registered Level 3 sex offender.
Matthew Kowalski, 25, of Kenmore, NY. In October 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years’ probation for Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Minor, a New York State Penal Law violation. On April 11, 2025, during an unannounced home visit by Erie County Probation Officers, a cellular phone with an SD card was found, which Kowalski was not permitted to possess. A search of the phone and SD card recovered multiple images and videos of suspected child pornography.
Samari Thompson, 20, of Buffalo, NY. On November 4, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Thompson’s residence, seizing electronic devices, including a cellular telephone. A search of the cell phone recovered 48 images and 16 videos of suspected child pornography. Some of the images and videos depicted infants.
Jamie R. Anderson, 25, of Buffalo, NY. In January 2022, Anderson was sentenced to 10 years’ probation for Possessing a Sexual Performance of a Minor, a New York State Penal Law violation. On July 3, 2024, the social media application Kik reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that 13 video and image files of apparent child pornography were uploaded to their server. Subsequent investigation traced the uploaded files to Anderson. The investigation also determined that Anderson was the subject of two other tipline reports.
Others arrested around the country 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 uniforms. 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 many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
Arrests in the Western District of New York are the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, the New York State Police, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, the Erie County Probation Department, and the Niagara Falls Police Department.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Investment Scammer Sentenced to 96 Months’ Imprisonment for Defrauding Alpha Influence Investors of over $20MRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jeremiah Joseph Evans, aka “The Bull,” 29, of Utah County, Utah, was sentenced today to 96 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to defrauding approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors in his company Alpha Influence LLC.
The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell, comes after Evans pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to securities fraud and money laundering. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Evans was sentenced to three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay $19,134,150.00 in restitution.
According to court documents and statements made at Evans’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, from July 2019 to July 2022, Evans fraudulently sold investments in e-commerce stores through Alpha Influence, LLC., a registered Utah corporation. Evans promised investors to secure money in exchange for the Alpha investments and fraudulently obtained approximately $20,894,674 from approximately 530 investors. As part of his scheme, Evans lied about how successful his company was, how long it was in operation and promised their investment would generate consistent, predictable monthly returns, when it would not. He failed to disclose that testimonials published about Alpha Influence and its success were made by his own relatives or others who received commissions paid from investor proceeds. On one occasion, in July 2021, Evans transferred $50,000 from Alpha Influence LLC’s bank account to make a partial payment for a white Lamborghini Huracan Evo.
“Crime does not always come in the form of violence and for a number of years, Evans lied about the success of his company and defrauded millions of dollars from investors,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Protecting the public is a top priority for the Department of Justice and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute criminals and seek justice for crime victims.”
"Today marks a significant step towards justice for the hundreds of Utahns victimized by Jeremiah 'The Bull' Evans' $20 million fraud," says Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce, Margaret Busse. "Evans exploited social media and Utahns' strong community ties to lure unsuspecting investors into his scheme and caused significant harm. Schemes like this not only affect individual lives but also erode the overall public trust in legitimate investment opportunities. We deeply appreciate the unwavering dedication of the U.S. Attorney General's Office and the tireless efforts of our own Utah Division of Securities, along with the FBI, in bringing these individuals to justice."
“Like many fraudsters, Mr. Evans was motivated by greed, using his victims’ money to fund a lavish lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The sentencing shows that stealing for personal gain doesn’t pay. The FBI and our partners will hold accountable those who engage in fraudulent schemes."
The case was investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf, Jennifer E. Gully, and Brian Williams of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Attachments:
jeremiah_evans_sentencingmemo.pdfInmate Pleads Guilty to Possessing Weapon at FCI McDowellRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Demetrius McKinney, 45, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, pleaded guilty today to possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 24, 2024, McKinney was involved in an altercation while an inmate at FCI McDowell. After the altercation, an FCI McDowell staff member conducted a search of McKinney and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his right front pants pocket. The shank was a piece of metal about six and a half inches long, with one end sharpened to a point and a cloth handle on the other end.
McKinney is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-31.
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Indictment Unsealed Charging Madison Man with Trafficking Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Jonathan E. Conley, 43, Madison, Wisconsin, with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl for distribution.
The indictment alleges that on October 24, 2023, Conley distributed fentanyl and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that on February 7, 2024, Conley possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, both for distribution. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 2, 2025.
Conley was arrested yesterday in Dane County, Wisconsin and made his initial appearance in federal court today. He was detained pending a detention hearing on Friday May 9.
If convicted of the charges involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine or 40 grams or more of fentanyl, Conley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted of the other charge, Conley faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, New Lisbon Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Harrison County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Herve Cayemitte, age 36, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 300 months in federal prison for two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, investigators received a tip that Cayemitte was selling methamphetamine from multiple locations in Harrison and Lewis Counties. Investigators recovered a package mailed from Los Angeles, California to a Cayemitte’s campsite. The package contained nearly 2,000 grams of methamphetamine. Subsequent searches of properties utilized by Cayemitte resulted in the seizure of more methamphetamine and firearms. Cayemitte has prior drug convictions.
Cayemitte will serve 4 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Harrison County Man Sentenced for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Michael Bork, 49, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for selling methamphetamine in Harrison County, WV.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Bork was selling methamphetamine, at time using social media to traffic drugs. A search of his apartment resulted in the seizure of a firearm, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a duffle bag containing $166,315 in cash. Bork has prior convictions for violation of a domestic violence order, harassment, obstructing, transporting controlled substances into a prison, and drug trafficking.
Bork will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Hancock County Man Sentenced for Theft of Black Lung BenefitsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Barber, age 75, of Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for the theft of public money, property or records.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Barber’s father was a coal miner who was awarded Black Lung benefits. Upon his father’s death, those benefits transferred to Barber’s widow, Barber’s mother. Barber became the payee for the benefits when his mother’s health failed, but once his mother passed, he continued to claim the benefits, falsely reporting each month for nearly ten years, that he used the funds for the care of his mother. Barber fraudulently collected $85,604 from the US Trust Fund.
Barber was ordered to pay $85.604 in restitution.
“Gary Barber engaged in a scheme to embezzle more than $85,000 in Black Lung benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Barber stole money intended for injured coal miners and their survivors who were eligible for those vital resources. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and OWCP to protect the integrity of DOL benefit programs," stated Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge, Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Barber was ordered to pay $85,604 in restitution to the US Trust Fund.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Guatemalan national was indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Agustin Morente, 70, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien.
According to the charging documents, on or about Feb. 28, 2025, Morente was found in the United States after having been deported from the United States to Guatemala on or about March 17, 2010.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Soto and David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Guatemalan National Charged with False Use of Passport, Possession of False Social Security and Permanent Resident Cards, and Making False StatementRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A grand jury returned an indictment on May 6, 2025, charging Julio Cucul-Bol, 29, a Guatemalan national, with possessing a false permanent resident card, possessing a false Social Security card, false use of a passport, and making a false statement on a bank application. Cucul-Bol is associated with addresses in Rantoul, Illinois, and Urbana, Illinois.
The indictment alleges that on November 10, 2023, Cucul-Bol falsely stated that his name was Juan Jahaziel Saenz Suarez in an application to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and also falsely used a passport. The indictment further alleges that on January 19, 2025, Cucul-Bol allegedly possessed a Permanent Resident Card that was false and a Social Security card that was false.
If convicted of false use of a passport, possession of a false social security card and possession of a false permanent resident card, Cucul-Bol faces maximum statutory penalties of up to ten years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release on each count. The penalties for making a false statement on a bank application are up to 30 years of imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
Agencies participating in the investigation include the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Urbana Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Lynch is representing the government in the prosecution.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Grandview Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Grandview, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for filing false tax returns for others.
Sandra Mondaine, 64, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 33 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Mondaine to pay restitution of $1,113,215.90 to the Internal Revenue Service.
On Nov. 13, 2024, Mondaine plead guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the preparation and filing of false tax returns.
Mondaine was an ex-IRS employee and Missouri-based return preparer who prepared returns for clients in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Mondaine obtained tax return information from clients either by meeting them in person or through the mail. Mondaine then prepared returns with false information, namely, false residential energy credits, charitable contributions, medical expenses, dependents, etc. Finally, she retained a portion of the claimed refund before providing the rest of the refund to her clients. Mondaine also appears to have submitted doctored and fake substantiation documentation when her clients were audited by the IRS.
According to the IRS review, the total tax loss related to the counts of conviction was $1,113,215.90.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Grand Island Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Lonnie Mason, 42, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 7, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Mason to 250 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Mason is released from prison, he will begin a lifetime term of supervised release
On January 30, 2024, Mason and co-conspirator Jolene Armentrout flew from Omaha to Los Angeles, California, and purchased 25 pounds of methamphetamine. Meanwhile, co-conspirators Robert Burkhardt and Stephanie Cummings drove Mason’s car from Omaha to Las Vegas, Nevada. Burkhardt and Cummings met Armentrout and Mason in Las Vegas. Mason and Cummings then flew back to Nebraska while Armentrout and Burkhardt drove to California from Las Vegas and picked up the 25 pounds of methamphetamine. Armentrout and Burkhardt then drove the 25 pounds of methamphetamine back to Mason’s apartment in Grand Island, Nebraska and arrived on February 4, 2024. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and located the 25 pounds of methamphetamine contained in a hidden compartment. On that date, law enforcement also executed a search warrant of Mason’s apartment and located a stolen firearm, methamphetamine, ammunition, and venue to Mason from his recent trip to California.
Cummings, Armentrout, and Burkhardt have all been convicted and sentenced in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska for this conduct. Cummings received 108 months’ imprisonment, Armentrout received 94 months’ imprisonment, and Burkhardt received 57 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Grand Island Police Department. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Government Seeks Death Penalty for Federal Inmate Charged with First Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, returned a three-count indictment charging Jasper Reed, 27, a federal prison inmate, with first degree murder, attempted murder, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to court documents, Reed entered the federal prison system on Dec. 27, 2023, to serve a 51-month sentence after a firearms conviction. On April 19, 2024, he was sent to the prison system’s Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City. It is alleged that, on April 27, 2024, a correctional officer found Reed strangling his cellmate. The officer attempted to stop Reed by spraying him with oleoresin capsicum, commonly referred to as “pepper spray.” The pepper spray had no impact on Reed, and multiple officers had to restrain him. Reed was evaluated in a medical examination room and was cleared with no injuries. However, the victim was rushed to a local hospital and was diagnosed with several fractures to his nasal bone, orbital bone, maxillary sinus anterior wall, maxillary sinus lateral wall, and hyoid bone.
It is further alleged that, on May 8, 2024, Reed murdered a different FTC cellmate. Correctional officers found this victim lying on the cell floor housed by only the victim and Reed. After an autopsy was performed, a medical examiner determined the cause of death to be homicide by manual strangulation. This victim suffered fractured thyroid and hyoid bones and severe hemorrhaging to the chest.
The maximum penalty for the first-degree murder charge is death and Attorney General Pamela Bondi has authorized the United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Reed.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, made the announcement.
The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Brandon Hale for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Government Seeks Death Penalty for Federal Inmate Charged with First Degree MurderRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, returned a three-count indictment charging Jasper Reed, 27, a federal prison inmate, with first degree murder, attempted murder, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
According to court documents, Reed entered the federal prison system on Dec. 27, 2023, to serve a 51-month sentence after a firearms conviction. On April 19, 2024, he was sent to the prison system’s Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City. It is alleged that, on April 27, 2024, a correctional officer found Reed strangling his cellmate. The officer attempted to stop Reed by spraying him with oleoresin capsicum, commonly referred to as “pepper spray.” The pepper spray had no impact on Reed, and multiple officers had to restrain him. Reed was evaluated in a medical examination room and was cleared with no injuries. However, the victim was rushed to a local hospital and was diagnosed with several fractures to his nasal bone, orbital bone, maxillary sinus anterior wall, maxillary sinus lateral wall, and hyoid bone.
It is further alleged that, on May 8, 2024, Reed murdered a different FTC cellmate. Correctional officers found this victim lying on the cell floor housed by only the victim and Reed. After an autopsy was performed, a medical examiner determined the cause of death to be homicide by manual strangulation. This victim suffered fractured thyroid and hyoid bones and severe hemorrhaging to the chest.
The maximum penalty for the first-degree murder charge is death and Attorney General Pamela Bondi has authorized the United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Reed.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Robert J. Troester, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, made the announcement.
The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Brandon Hale for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation for Purposes of ProstitutionRead the Press Release
Wilmington, Del. – Robert Sloan, 48, of Roswell, Georgia, pleaded guilty today to transportation for the purposes of prostitution, announced Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware. The Honorable Richard G. Andrews accepted the plea.
According to statements made in open court, the investigation into Sloan began in July 2023 after an individual called 911 after receiving text messages from a family member indicating that the family member was being trafficked for prostitution at a hotel in Dover, Delaware. Law enforcement went to the hotel to conduct a welfare check. Once they arrived at the hotel room, the defendant answered the door and law enforcement saw two women inside. Although the defendant informed officers that he did not know anyone with the victim’s name, one of the women later identified herself as the victim once she was away from the defendant. Further investigation revealed that the defendant drove the victim from North Carolina to Delaware and had her engage in prostitution multiple times during stops along the way.
Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson stated, “Sex trafficking individuals for personal financial gain is a heinous crime. My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to rescue victims of sex trafficking and we encourage citizens to join us in this effort by contacting law enforcement if they suspect someone is a victim of sex trafficking – if you see something, say something.”
“Robert Sloan’s guilty plea is a powerful example of how our Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force continually works to stop sex trafficking. Anyone who profits from sexually exploiting others will be brought to justice for their heinous crimes,” says FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “The FBI will do all we can to hold perpetrators accountable, while also helping victims recover from the significant trauma they suffer.”
The FBI investigated this case with the assistance of Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Claudia L. Pare and Briana Knox prosecuted this case.
Sloan is facing a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. Judge Andrews will determine Defendant’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER.
Four Pierre Residents Sentenced to Substantial Terms in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled SubstanceRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced four Pierre, South Dakota, residents convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencings took place on May 5, 2025.
Whitney Marrowbone, age 30, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Wendy Mealer, age 49, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Brent Larvie, age 36, was sentenced to four years and six months in federal prison, followed by three of supervised release.
David Rinehart, age 33, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
All four defendants were each also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
These convictions stemmed from a drug distribution conspiracy beginning in June 2023 and continuing until September 2024. Marrowbone, Mealer, Larvie, and Rinehart were involved in an extensive conspiracy with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around Pierre and surrounding areas. The four co-defendants received significant quantities of methamphetamine from two other co-defendants, Heather and Misty Stahlhoefer, and then further distributed it. During the course of the investigation law enforcement recovered over 550 grams of pure methamphetamine.
Heather Stahlhoefer is scheduled to be sentenced May 14, 2025, and Misty Stahlhoefer is scheduled to be sentenced July 14, 2025.
This case was investigated by the FBI North Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department, the Chamberlain Police Department, and the Lyman County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Dilges.
Marrowbone, Rinehart, Mealer, and Larvie were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 210 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Willie J. Hatch, 32 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady following his plea of guilty to 5 drug counts and a finding of guilt by a jury on a gun count announced Acting United States Tina L. Nommay.
Hatch was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, on four occasions in September and October 2022, Hatch distributed methamphetamine. In October 2022, Hatch possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessed a firearm while being a prohibited person. He pleaded guilty to the five drug counts, and after a trial in December 2024, a jury found him guilty of the firearm offense.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fort Wayne Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey Speith and Justin Sheridan.
This case was also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Postal Employee Sentenced for Delaying and Stealing Contents of U.S. MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RANDY BROWN, JR (“BROWN”), age 31, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, was sentenced to twenty-one (21) months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, after previously pleading guilty to the four-count indictment charging him with unlawful delay of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a) and theft of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.
According to court documents, between on or about July, 2022, through October 4, 2022, BROWN unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed U.S. mail entrusted to him as a postal employee; and on September 26, 2022, September 27, 2022, and October 3, 2022, BROWN did knowingly embezzle, steal, abstract, and remove checks from U.S. mail entrusted to him as a postal employee.
In addition to his incarceration sentence, Judge Vance also sentenced BROWN to three (3) years of supervised release. BROWN must additionally pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General and the Gretna Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.
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Former New York City Real Estate Developer Charged with Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging JOSHUA SCHUSTER with engaging in a scheme to defraud investors in large real estate development projects located in New York City. SCHUSTER was arrested today and will be presented in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “As alleged, Joshua Schuster stole more than $10 million from his investors to fund his own lifestyle, pay off other investors in a Ponzi fashion, and maintain the appearance of success. The women and men of our Office are committed to protecting investors and our markets from fraud and abuse.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Joshua Schuster allegedly stole more than ten million dollars from New York City real estate investors through inaccurate statements of fund usage and exaggerated portrayals of his business’s reputation. This alleged scheme betrayed prospective buyers’ trust and pockets to finance his lifestyle and cover personal delinquent debts. The FBI will never permit any individual to unlawfully profit off false promises—even when those promises result in actual buildings on the city’s skyline.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment1:
From at least in or about 2018, up through and including at least in or about 2022, SCHUSTER engaged in a scheme to defraud investors who had entrusted him with millions of dollars to finance real estate development projects in New York City. SCHUSTER worked through his real estate development business, Silverback Development, which was based in Manhattan. SCHUSTER induced investors to contribute capital to his projects by promising them equity in high-end real estate developments, and by representing that investor funds would be used exclusively for the acquisition and development of specific projects in Gramercy Park, Long Island City, the Bronx, and other locations. SCHUSTER marketed Silverback and its affiliated real estate ventures as elite investment opportunities backed by his market expertise.
In reality, the representations and promises SCHUSTER made to investors were false and misleading. SCHUSTER misappropriated tens of millions of dollars in investor money to fund his lifestyle, including over $1 million in personal credit card payments and hundreds of thousands of dollars in gambling losses; to repay earlier investors in a Ponzi-like fashion; and to cover unrelated business obligations and payroll. In total, SCHUSTER fraudulently obtained and stole in excess of $10 million.
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SCHUSTER, 41, of Boca Raton, Florida, is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a parallel civil action.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Nessim is in charge of the prosecution.
u.s._v._schuster_indictment.pdf
1 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Former Morton, Washington City Clerk pleads guilty to wire fraud for lengthy embezzlement schemeRead the Press Release
Tacoma – The former Clerk-Treasurer for the City of Morton in Lewis County pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to wire fraud in connection with her nine-year scheme to steal nearly $1 million from city coffers, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Tamara (Tammy) Clevenger served as the Clerk-Treasurer for Morton from 2012-2022. In 2024, an audit by the Washington State Auditor uncovered years of embezzlement totaling $937,584. Clevenger is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright on July 7, 2025.
According to records filed in the case, including the plea agreement, Clevenger used a variety of ways to steal funds. Between November 2015 and December 2021, she stole at least $311,727 of cash that citizens had brought in to pay for city services. In some instances, she would write a fraudulent city checks in the amount of cash she stole to conceal the theft of the cash. She also made unauthorized cash withdrawals with the Morton ATM card.
Between February 2013 and December 2021, Clevenger stole at least $625,857 by writing city checks to herself and depositing them in her bank account. Clevenger would use checks that had been pre-signed by the mayor for use in emergency situations. Clevenger used fake vendor invoices to make it appear the checks had been written for a service rendered to the city. Clevenger’s actions used interstate wires to commit the fraud with the transfer of funds between various bank accounts. One example is the transfer of $5,808 in funds from Washington to Umpqua bank servers located outside the state.
Following the audit, the City of Morton established new procedures so that no single person had control of the various banking functions.
Clevenger has agreed to make restitution to the City of Morton. She is receiving credit for some $8,626 that she deposited to city accounts via ATM machines.
The FBI and IRS worked with the Washington State Auditor’s Office on the criminal financial investigation.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend a three-year prison term. Judge Cartwright is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law, after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda McDowell
Former Middle School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Enticing A Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Italo Rafael Brett Bonini (25, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and one count of production of child sexual abuse material. Brett Bonini faces a minimum of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 30, 2025. Brett Bonini has agreed to forfeit a computer, which he used to commit the offenses. He has also agreed to pay restitution to the victims of his offense, as well as to any other identifiable minor victims targeted through his conduct.
According to the plea agreement, on January 12, 2025, Brett Bonini video chatted with two child victims in Maryland through an online communication platform. During that video chat, both child victims pulled down their pants, and one of the child victims complied with Brett Bonini’s request to display his genitals on screen. In messages from Brett Bonini to the victims, Brett Bonini offered currency in an online videogame in exchange for the victims to show their genitalia on screen.
The FBI executed a search warrant at Brett Bonini’s residence on February 4, 2025. Concurrent with the execution of the search warrant, the FBI interviewed Brett Bonini, who identified himself as a middle school teacher who also taught private music lessons to children. During that interview, Brett Bonini stated that his intention for joining the online communication platform was to have conversations and have fun sexually.
Evidence from the online chats revealed that Brett Bonini attempted to victimize at least 20 other children using the internet. Each chat with potential victims followed a similar pattern of Brett Bonini lying about his identity, making sexual advances, and attempting to have a video call with the children who identified themselves as minors.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Osceola County Sherriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, and the Harford County Child Advocacy Center. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Cruz.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Accountant for Westmoreland County Business Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay More Than $8 Million in Restitution for Lengthy Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay a total of more than $8 million in restitution on his conviction of fraud conspiracy, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and filing false income tax returns, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Jonathan A. Weston, 60, and ordered him to pay restitution of $6,870,128 to Hillandale Farms Co. and $1,216,176 to the Internal Revenue Service. Weston also was ordered to forfeit specific assets to the government which were derived from his illegal activities, including a 2008 Aston Martin, a 1933 Ford Model 40 Coupe, a condominium, and bank accounts.
According to information presented to the Court, from October 2005 to January 2019, Weston, as an accountant for Hillandale Farms Co. located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, engaged in a scheme with another employee to embezzle approximately $6.8 million dollars from the company, and then launder the stolen money through businesses they both controlled in order to purchase collectible cars, real estate, and various personal expenditures. Between 2013 and 2018, Weston also either failed to file or filed false federal personal income tax returns, including filing a false tax return in which he underreported more than $500,000 in stolen Hillandale monies.
“For more than a dozen years, the defendant took advantage of his role as an accountant for a profitable family farming business to defraud the company of nearly $7 million—and the Internal Revenue Service of more than $1 million—and then launder that money for his own personal and financial benefit,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “We greatly appreciate the diligence of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation in bringing Weston to justice for his crimes and extensive embezzlement from a Westmoreland County business.”
“Jonathan Weston conspired to embezzle more than $6.8 million from his former employer over the course of a decade,” said Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “He then laundered those stolen funds through the businesses he owned, including his candy stores, in the hope of disguising the source of that income. In addition, Jonathan Weston failed to report the embezzled and laundered funds as income on his tax returns. These are serious crimes and IRS-CI will aggressively pursue anyone who commits them.”
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended IRS-CI for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Weston.
Final defendant sentenced in DMV area dogfighting ringRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced yesterday to two years and three months in prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.
According to court documents, from at least March 2015 through December 2022, Charles Reginald McDougald, aka “Luke” and “Bottom Boy,” 55, and other conspirators from Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and North Carolina used a messaging app private group referred to as "The DMV Board" or "The Board," to discuss training fighting dogs, exchange videos about dogfighting, and arrange and coordinate dog fights.
Members of the DMV Board also used the app to compare methods of killing dogs that lost fights, circulate media reports about conspirators who had been caught by law enforcement, and discuss ways to avoid being caught. McDougald posted multiple offers to arrange dogfights for thousands of dollars per fight.
McDougald’s sentencing follows the convictions of 19 of his fellow members of the DMV Board.
On Dec. 22, 2017, Rodriguez Norman, aka “Tough Love,” 31, of Washington, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to traffic in contraband cigarettes, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On April 6, 2018, Norman was sentenced to nine years in prison for bank fraud, cigarette, and identity theft charges, and an additional year for the dogfighting conspiracy.
On April 28, 2021, Carlos Harvey, aka “Roc9,” of King George, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Dec. 10, 2021, Harvey was sentenced to six months in prison.
On Nov. 4, 2022, Charles Edward Williams, III, aka “Never Say Never,” 50, of Capital Heights, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Feb. 21, 2023, Williams was sentenced to two years in prison.
On Nov. 9, 2022, Michael Roy Hilliard, aka “No Dayz Off,” 38, of Fort Washington, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On March 1, 2023, Hilliard was sentenced to six months in prison.
On Nov. 10, 2022, Laron West, aka “Frog” and “Get Sick,” 46, of Forestville, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. West was murdered on Feb. 12, 2023, prior to sentencing.
On Nov. 29, 2022, Derek Aaron Garcia, aka “Fatal Attraction,” 40, of Woodbridge, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On March 7, 2023, Garcia was sentenced to 10 days in prison.
On Nov. 29, 2022, Ricardo Glen Thorne, aka “Rip,” 53, of Camp Springs, Maryland, pled guilty to advertising an animal for use in an animal fighting venture. On March 7, 2023, Thorne was sentenced to one year and one day in prison.
On June 16, 2023, Tarry Jeron Wilson, aka “Tejai” and “City Limits,” 39, of Warsaw, Virginia, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 20, 2023, Wilson was sentenced to two years in prison.
On March 18, 2024, Eldridge Jackson, aka “Big Head” and “4B,” 48, of Temple Hills, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Jackson was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
On March 21, 2024, Bashawn Allen, aka “425,” 35, of Trenton, New Jersey, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Allen was sentenced to a year and six months in prison.
On March 21, 2024, Larry Alston, aka “Big Goon,” 49, of Windsor Mills, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Alston was sentenced to two years in prison.
On March 21, 2024, Dandre Wallace, aka “Abstract,” 47, of Laurel, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Wallace was sentenced to two years in prison.
On March 22, 2024, Isaac Weathersby, aka “Big Fist” 43, of High Point, North Carolina, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On June 18, 2024, Weathersby was sentenced to a year and nine months in prison.
On March 28, 2024, Charles Davis, aka “Cat Daddy” and “Deep in the Game,” 44, of Woodbridge, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On July 2, 2024, Davis was sentenced to 60 days in prison.
On April 8, 2024, Mark Rodriguez, aka “Slow Poke,” of Stafford, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On July 2, 2024, Rodriguez was sentenced to 14 days in jail.
On May 28, 2024, Kevin Jackson, aka “4B1,” 47, of White Plains, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Sept. 6, 2024, Jackson was sentenced to 10 days in prison.
On Aug. 6, 2024, Elijah Loatman, aka “Nephew the Genius,” 33, of Elkton, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture. On Nov. 8, 2024, Loatman was sentenced to 30 days in prison.
On July 23, 2024, Mario Flythe, aka “the Barber,” 50, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in the District of Maryland to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture and interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise. On Jan. 23, 2025, Flythe was sentenced to six months in prison.
On Aug. 22, 2024, Frederick Moorfield, aka “Geehad,” 64, of Arnold, Maryland, pled guilty in the District of Maryland to conspiracy to engage in an animal fighting venture and interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise. On Dec. 12, 2024, Moorefield was sentenced to a year and six months in prison.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon D. Kromberg and Vanessa K. Strobbe prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:22-cr-154 and 1:23-cr-176.
Final Sentencing Announced in Multi-State Mail and Bank Fraud Conspiracy Involving Postal WorkersRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the final sentencing in a wide-ranging conspiracy involving eight defendants convicted of wire, bank, and mail fraud. The convictions stem from an investigation into widespread mail theft and check fraud, which included the earlier prosecutions of two Montgomery-area postal workers.
On May 6, 2025, 25-year-old Hunter Hudson, Jr., also known as “Hunnid K,” from Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentence of 92 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire, bank, and mail fraud. Hudson was identified as a manager within the conspiracy and based on his conduct, caused an intended loss amount of more than $1.5 million. He was ordered to pay $987,883.50 in restitution and to forfeit $91,020.41.
The conspiracy, which took place between 2022 and 2024, involved the theft and alteration of checks that were then deposited into numerous fraudulent bank accounts. Part of the conspiracy was coordinated through a group chat titled “Fraud Academy,” as named by one of the conspirators.
The other individuals involved in the conspiracy previously received the following sentences:
- Brandon Michael Gage, 27, also from Montgomery, was sentenced to 135 months in prison. He was also identified as a manager within the conspiracy, with an intended loss amount exceeding $550,000. Gage was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $65,000 in restitution.
- Joey Payne, 26, a resident of Opelika, Alabama, received a sentence of 108 months in prison. Like Hudson and Gage, Payne was also a manager in the scheme with an intended loss amount over $550,000. He was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $101,556.97 in restitution.
- Reuben Kristian Brown, 26, another Montgomery resident, was sentenced to 87 months in prison. He acted as a manager in the conspiracy and had an intended loss amount of more than $1.5 million. Brown was fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $17,500 in restitution.
- Keenan Rashaad Watson, 26, also from Montgomery, was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A manager in the conspiracy, Watson was associated with an intended loss of over $550,000. He was fined $15,000.
- Kerry O’Shay Hawthorne, 26, another resident of Montgomery, received a sentence of 40 months in prison and was ordered to pay $49,008.95 in restitution.
- Ethan Alexander Brown, 23, a former bank teller from Montgomery, was sentenced to 34 months in prison. He was directly involved in depositing 61 altered checks worth more than $2 million. He was ordered to pay $973,692.05 in restitution to his employer.
- Destinie Janan James, 23, a resident of Auburn, Alabama, was sentenced to 22 months in prison. She was fined $25,000 and ordered to pay $89,000 in restitution.
Although these sentences mark the conclusion of this indictment, the investigation is ongoing.
“This case demonstrates the serious consequences for those who exploit public institutions and financial systems for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Thanks to the dedication of our law enforcement partners, we were able to dismantle a complex criminal network and hold each participant accountable. We remain committed to pursuing those who defraud the public and threaten the integrity of our postal and banking systems.”
“These convictions are a testament to the dedication of the investigative and legal teams and should send a strong message to any employee who thinks of conspiring with others to steal mail and commit check fraud,” said Tammy Hull, Inspector General U.S. Postal Service. “Our special agents, working with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate these criminal activities, protecting the integrity of the Postal Service and the U.S. Mail.”
“The United States Postal Service is a vital and trusted institution,” said Timothy J. O’Malley, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “Any attempt to exploit our postal or banking systems is a serious violation of the public’s trust. These actions will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting the integrity of our postal and financial systems is essential and non-negotiable.”
“The sentencing in this case should serve notice to criminals that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation’s mail system from unlawful activity,” said Shameka Jackson, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Houston Division. “I fully commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted in bringing Hunter Hudson, Jr. and the other co-defendants to justice.”
This extensive investigation was led by the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, with Assistant United States Attorney J. Patrick Lamb prosecuting the case.
Additional support was provided by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Montgomery Police Department, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Prattville Police Department, Harris County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, Meriwether County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Troopers, Venice (FL) Police Department, and the Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff’s Office.
Federal Indictment Charges Three Alleged Members or Associates of Chicago Street Gang with Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Multiple Murders and CarjackingsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal superseding indictment returned today charges three alleged members or associates of a Chicago street gang with conspiring to commit multiple murders and carjackings in the city and suburbs.
EDSON RESENDEZ, MAVERICK CELA, and PREZILA APREZA committed the violence as part of their membership or association with the Spanish Gangster Disciples street gang, a criminal organization based on the Northwest Side of Chicago, according to a second superseding indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Cela was among the leaders of the gang, the indictment states. The indictment alleges that in furtherance of a racketeering conspiracy, Resendez, Cela, Apreza, and other gang members and associates committed three murders, two attempted murders, four carjackings, an attempted carjacking, and an act of arson. The violence occurred in a two-week period in 2020, the charges allege.
Resendez, 23, Cela, 24, and Apreza, 24, all of Chicago, are in law enforcement custody. Arraignments on the new superseding charges have not yet been scheduled.
The superseding indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Skokie, Ill. Police Department, Chicago Police Department, Morton Grove, Ill. Police Department, and Berwyn, Ill. Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cornelius A. Vandenberg and Simar Khera.
“Combating the unacceptable level of gang violence in the Chicago area has been and will continue to be a top priority in our Office,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “As I mark my first 30 days as the United States Attorney, I want to emphasize that we are using every available federal law enforcement tool to bring impactful cases that hold violent gang members accountable and reduce violent crime.”
"The FBI is committed to eradicating neighborhood street gangs and the violence unleashed in our communities,” said FBI Chicago SAC DePodesta. “This investigation is just one of many cases worked by FBI Chicago’s Violent Crime Task Force along with our dedicated Task Force Officers (TFOs) and local law enforcement partners. We remain united in using all available resources to ensure that groups like these can no longer harm Chicago’s residents.”
The second superseding indictment in this case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
resendez_et_al_second_superseding_indictment.pdfFederal Charges Unsealed Related to Kidnapping of Garner FamilyRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Three Raleigh-based individuals appeared in federal court today to face charges for kidnapping a mother and toddler from their Garner, North Carolina home. Eleodoro Estrada-Hernandez, age 37, and siblings Paola Duran Duran, age 25, and Miguel Duran Duran, age 23, are charged in federal criminal complaints with kidnapping and aiding and abetting. The complaints were unsealed today at the defendants’ initial appearances. Their federal detention hearings are scheduled for May 12, 2025.
The federal criminal complaints allege that Paola, Miguel (wearing a ski mask) and Hernandez (wearing a ski mask and armed with a semi-automatic handgun) forcibly entered a home in Garner on the evening of April 28, 2025. Inside the home was a husband and wife and their 13-month-old child. The complaints allege that Hernandez and Miguel overpowered the husband, taped his hands behind his back and covered his eyes and mouth, and then demanded $1 million. Miguel and Paola forced the mother and toddler out the back door of the house and into a car, according to the complaints. Hernandez left the house a short time later. Once alone, the complaints allege that the husband was able to free himself and call police. He provided law enforcement with a description of a car he believed the kidnappers were driving.
Police issued an Amber Alert, and a short time later, the complaint alleges that the kidnappers dropped the mother and child off on a dirt road approximately 30 miles away from their house. The victims were able to walk to a nearby house and contact police and were returned home safely.
The FBI arrested Paola and Miguel on April 29, 2025. They have been detained since that date on related state charges. The FBI arrested Hernandez on May 2, 2025. According to information presented in court today, all three defendants are allegedly illegally present in the United States.
“These significant federal charges result from the prompt response of law enforcement and demonstrate the close partnership between all of the agencies involved,” Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated today. “Investigating and prosecuting violent crimes like those alleged in the complaints will remain a top priority for our office.”
“When our partners at the Garner Police Department requested FBI assistance with a kidnapping, we surged resources from across the state in the middle of the night. Alongside local and state partners, a fast-moving and complex case unfolded. Through the combination of investigative technology, tactics, and tools, thankfully the victims were recovered safely. The FBI will continue to support our partners and work towards justice for innocent victims caught up in violent criminal actions,” said Robert M. DeWitt, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
Eleodoro Estrada-Hernandez, Paola Duran Duran and Miguel Duran Duran are all charged with Kidnapping and Aiding and Abetting. All three face a maximum punishment of life in prison if convicted.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. The FBI Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Garner Police Department, NC State Bureau of Investigation, and the Wake County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Avera is prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case Nos.5:25-MJ-1559 and 5:25‐MJ‐1571.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.