A nationwide law enforcement effort, Operation Relentless Justice, has successfully rescued over 200 children and apprehended more than 290 individuals accused of sexually exploiting minors.
The intensive two-week operation brought together all 56 FBI field offices, the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and U.S. attorneys’ offices nationwide, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to tackling child exploitation both online and in local communities.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the importance of holding predators accountable.
“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” Bondi said in a press 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.”
Authorities reported that the individuals arrested were involved in producing, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material; enticing minors online; transporting children for sexual activity and sex trafficking.
Many cases centered on the use of internet platforms to target vulnerable victims.
Among the notable arrests were a Dallas-based airman and his wife, accused of producing illegal material and a Raleigh police officer charged with distributing child sexual abuse content while discussing sexual contact with minors.
In Miami, a Guatemalan national with a prior deportation and criminal history was arrested for allegedly enticing a minor.
In Kansas, federal prosecutors charged two individuals, KCTV 5 reports.
Diana V. Brown, 46, of Topeka, faced four counts of producing child sexual abuse material and one count of possession.
Reese C. Pack, 25, formerly of Ottawa, was arrested on a fugitive warrant and indicted on multiple offenses, including production of child sexual abuse material and coercion of a minor.
Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Hawaii authorities also made arrests tied to the operation.
According to Big Island Now, three individuals, including members of an online exploitation network called “Greggy’s Cult,” were charged with producing and distributing illegal material involving minors.
One defendant has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing, while the other cases remain pending.
FBI Director Kash Patel framed the operation as part of a sustained effort to combat child exploitation nationwide.
“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” Patel said. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino praised the emotional dedication of FBI personnel working in violent crimes against children units.
Writing on X, Bongino noted that agents often leave work knowing another child remains in danger.
“This FBI understands the gravity of this tragedy, and will continue to pursue these demons. You cannot hide behind a keyboard,” he said.
The operation also addressed rising sextortion cases. One Virginia man allegedly persuaded a 14-year-old to produce child sexual abuse material; the victim later attempted suicide after being told to harm herself.
Operation Relentless Justice follows similar federal initiatives earlier this year, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which rescued 115 children and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which rescued 133.
The FBI’s Victim Services Division supported survivors with forensic interviews, medical referrals and mental health resources.
All cases are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts to combat child sexual exploitation.
