KC Reporter

The Department of Justice has announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide effort aimed at identifying and arresting child sex offenders. This operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals across the country. The operation was conducted over five days by all 55 FBI field offices, in collaboration with the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section within the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices nationwide.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "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." She expressed gratitude towards the FBI and their partners for their work in this operation.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation," adding that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach. He stated, "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 Missouri's Western District, four individuals were arrested: Clinton Gray from Joplin; Andrew Charles Nicholls from Columbia; Trevor Scott Teegarden from Liberty; along with another defendant. They face charges related to attempted production of child pornography and possession or distribution of such material. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen A. Brackett, Ashley Turner, and James J. Kelleher are prosecuting these cases.

Nationwide arrests included various crimes such as production, distribution, possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors for illegal purposes. In Minneapolis, a state trooper was arrested for allegedly producing abusive material while in uniform. Other notable arrests include an illegal alien accused in Norfolk for transporting a minor across state lines for sex.

Parental vigilance played a significant role in several cases leading to swift action against offenders. One instance involved a California man arrested shortly after a victim disclosed abuse following an online safety presentation.

This initiative aligns with National Child Abuse Prevention Month observed in April by highlighting ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation through awareness campaigns like Project Safe Childhood launched by the Department in May 2006.

The Department collaborates with organizations like NCMEC providing resources such as hotlines (1-800-THE-LOST) for reporting suspected exploitation cases while urging public vigilance via channels including tips.fbi.gov or local FBI offices.

An indictment remains an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.