Operation Restore Justice: A Wake-Up Call to Confront Child Exploitation in America

Operation Restore Justice: A Wake-Up Call to Confront Child Exploitation in America

Operation Restore Justice: A Wake-Up Call to Confront Child Exploitation in America

Introduction

In a world where human trafficking and child exploitation continue to grow in secrecy and complexity, a nationwide effort called Operation Restore Justice has brought a powerful wave of hope. Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), this large-scale initiative resulted in the arrest of 205 child sexual abuse offenders and the rescue of 115 children across the United States. For Christian leaders, therapists, educators, and advocates, this is not just another news headline—this is a call to intercede, educate, and protect.

This blog will explore the operation in detail, examine specific cases and charges, highlight regional data (including North Carolina), and offer practical ways the faith and mental health community can respond.

Key Details of Operation Restore Justice

• Dates of Operation: April 28 to May 1, 2025

• Announcement Date: May 7, 2025

• Scope: All 55 FBI field offices participated

• Results:

  • 205 individuals arrested for child sexual abuse-related crimes

  • 115 children rescued from exploitative conditions

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.”
(Source)

This operation highlights just how deeply rooted and widespread exploitation has become. It also shows the importance of unified law enforcement efforts and cross-agency collaboration. While these numbers are sobering, they also speak to the power of swift action, intelligence-sharing, and interagency partnerships when combating an issue as insidious as child trafficking.

Who Was Arrested?

The 205 individuals arrested across the country face charges including:

• Production and distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

• Child sex trafficking

• Online enticement of minors

• Transporting minors across state lines for illegal sexual activity

Notable Cases Include for Operation Restore Justice:

• Jeremy Francis Plonski (Minnesota): A state trooper charged with producing CSAM, facing a minimum of 15 years in prison. His arrest sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting that even those in positions of authority can abuse their power in unimaginable ways.  

  

• Linwood Barnhill (Washington, D.C.): A former police officer previously convicted of trafficking-related crimes. Barnhill is now facing additional charges for continuing to exploit minors in exchange for money. His case demonstrates the potential for recidivism among offenders and the need for accountability.

• Mario Garcia Martinez (San Antonio, TX): Arrested with hundreds of files of CSAM. Martinez reportedly admitted to accessing this material during methamphetamine binges, raising concerns about how substance abuse and trafficking-related offenses are often interconnected.

• Zaid Mashhour Haddad (Texas): A UT San Antonio professor arrested for possessing child pornography. His access to youth and position of trust further intensify the seriousness of the charges.

These cases collectively remind us that child predators come from all walks of life. They could be neighbors, colleagues, or authority figures. It’s not just about identifying a stereotype—it’s about cultivating vigilance and awareness everywhere.

Regional Focus: North Carolina

In North Carolina, the FBI Charlotte Field Office played an integral role. Among the most notable arrests were:

• John Matthew Miller (Wilmington): Charged with sex trafficking of a minor and CSAM possession. Evidence suggested prolonged exploitation and communication with minors online.

• Jesse Lonzo Teal (Bolivia): Also charged with online grooming and possession of explicit images. His devices revealed extensive contact with minors via encrypted messaging apps.

These local stories are a sobering reminder: trafficking isn’t just a problem happening somewhere else. It is a local issue. It is in our schools, neighborhoods, and communities.

Other Regional Highlights:

• Connecticut: Five individuals arrested for CSAM-related offenses, including Steven Taylor and Ryan Perry, who had thousands of explicit images stored across multiple devices.
  (Source)

• Illinois: Dalton Trader, James Yeager, and Mark Peterson were arrested for various offenses, including attempted enticement of minors and possession of CSAM.
  (Source)

• Houston, Texas: Natalia Flores and four others were indicted for sex trafficking three teen girls aged 14–18. Their exploitation was facilitated via social media platforms and party invitations.
  (Source)

• Georgia: Nine individuals arrested for crimes ranging from CSAM possession to enticing minors for sexual exploitation.
  (Source)

What This Means for the Church and the Mental Health Community

If you are a Christian leader, therapist, life coach, or educator, this isn’t just national news—it’s a spiritual alert and professional call to action.

1. Increase Awareness

Be equipped to identify signs of trafficking and abuse:

• Sudden changes in behavior or unexplained trauma

• Association with older or controlling individuals

• Secretive online behavior

• Physical signs of trauma or neglect

Church leaders and mental health professionals must commit to trauma-informed care and ongoing education on trafficking prevention. This includes investing in continuing education, collaborating with anti-trafficking coalitions, and offering resources to their communities.

as a place of refuge and

• Train all volunteers and staff in mandatory reporting procedures

• Invite law enforcement or anti-trafficking experts to speak at community events

• Provide parent education on internet safety and trafficking signs

• Create avenues for anonymous reporting and survivor support

The Church, in particular, must position itself not only as a place of refuge but also as a watchtower of advocacy, justice, and accountability.

The Growing Threat of Technology in Trafficking

Predators increasingly use social media, gaming platforms, and encrypted apps to target children. Many parents and church leaders are unaware of how deep this issue goes.

Talk openly about:

• Grooming tactics and manipulation techniques

• Risks associated with seemingly innocent platforms like Roblox or Snapchat

• The role of influencers and online challenges in luring youth into exploitation

• Parental controls, safety apps, and the importance of monitoring devices

When children are equipped with knowledge and accountability, their vulnerability to online predators decreases dramatically.

The Power of Prayer and Prevention

This operation is proof that prayer, advocacy, and coordination work. Let’s continue to:

• Pray for rescued children and their healing

• Pray for law enforcement and task forces

• Pray for hidden abuse to be exposed

• Pray for lasting policy change and church involvement

We can also fast and intercede for God to raise more Christian counselors, foster parents, and advocates who will do the hard work of restoration. Many of these children will need long-term care that addresses their spiritual, emotional, and psychological needs.

Action Steps You Can Take

1. Learn More: Visit NCMEC or CyberTipline for information and training.

2. Report: Use FBI Tips to report suspicious behavior.

3. Raise Awareness: Host a discussion in your Bible study, school, or counseling office.

4. Support Nonprofits: Donate to local organizations focused on survivor aftercare.

5. Speak Up: Share this blog, create a podcast, or lead a prayer night dedicated to justice.

6. Volunteer: Get involved with local shelters, advocacy groups, or court-appointed special advocate (CASA) programs.

Conclusion: We Are on Watch

Operation Restore Justice reminds us that exploitation is real and rampant—but so is the power of unity, prayer, and action. As God’s people, let us rise to the occasion, protect the vulnerable, and be a voice for justice in this generation. May we respond with courage, compassion, and commitment.