Federal agents arrested 293 suspected child predators and located 205 child victims in a two-week nationwide crackdown, the Justice Department announced on Friday.
Operation Relentless Justice marks the third major child exploitation sweep this year, underscoring federal efforts to combat rising online predation cases.
All 56 FBI field offices participated in the coordinated enforcement action alongside federal prosecutors. Suspects face charges ranging from producing child sexual abuse material to sex trafficking minors.
“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a news release. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.”
Among those arrested: a Dallas airman and his wife, accused of producing abuse material, and a Raleigh police officer who allegedly distributed illegal content while discussing interest in children. A previously deported illegal alien from Guatemala with a violent criminal history was arrested in Miami for child enticement.
The operation targeted increasingly common sextortion schemes where predators manipulate children online. Authorities arrested five leaders of “Greggy’s Cult” and a Virginia man who allegedly drove a 14-year-old victim to attempt suicide.
“This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation.”
Previous operations yielded similar results. Operation Restore Justice in May rescued 115 children and netted 205 arrests, while Operation Enduring Justice in August rescued 133 children and led to the arrest of 234 suspects.
The FBI’s Victim Services Division provided forensic interviews and mental health referrals to affected children. The operations fall under Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative launched in 2006.
Authorities urged the public to report suspected child exploitation to the FBI tipline at 1-800-225-5324 or tips.fbi.gov.
