Federal authorities have arrested more than 200 child abusers and rescued over 100 children as part of a new FBI initiative dubbed “Operation Restore Justice.”
Launched in late April, the operations’ effort are a coordinated strike across all FBI field offices targeting predators involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse “material”. The initiative also targets anyone who engages in “online enticement” of children or any form of child sex trafficking.
The initiative coincided with National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
“The amount of child predators arrested during Operation Restore Justice should shock the conscience of any law-abiding citizen and parents or guardians,” said Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Office, in a recent new release.
“Each day, our agents are tackling criminal allegations involving children, whether it be online dangers like sextortion, emerging nihilist extremist networks like 764, or children being groomed by someone close to them.”
In California alone, five child abusers now face federal charges after this month’s crackdown on evil:
- Andrew Castillon, 47, of El Monte, for possession of child pornography.
- Jose Olvera, 34, of North Hollywood, for distribution and possession of child pornography.
- Steven Nuss, 66, of San Juan Capistrano, for possession and distribution of child pornography.
- David Eugene Parker, 55, of La Palma, for possession of child pornography.
- Gregory Cole Jr., 30, of Lancaster, for production and receipt of child pornography, online enticement of a minor
Two other suspects were also arrested in Los Angeles for child sexual exploitation and coercion charges this month.
United States Attorney Bill Essayli spoke on the lasting harm caused by child exploitation and the push for law enforcement agencies across the country to deliver justice.
“Sexual predators who target children leave emotional scars that can last a lifetime,” Essayli said. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we seek to bring a measure of solace to victims and put criminals on notice that they risk lengthy prison sentences and severe penalties for harming children.”
The FBI continues to rely on its Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces, as well as partners like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, to identify and stop offenders across America.
The Bureau also provides tools to help families stay informed and safe in their own communities.
Two strategies, the Safe Online Surfing program – which educates children about internet safety, and the Endangered Child Alert Program – which works to track unidentified abusers, are playing a big factor in Operation Restore Justice’s success.
“We urge caretakers of all children to educate themselves about these constant threats targeting the most vulnerable members of our society,” Davis added.
The FBI also urges the public to use common sense and reconnaissance to ensure their children’s safety online and offline.
Authorities are now calling on anyone with information about possible child exploitation or abuse to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through tips.FBI.gov.