Tampa, FL – In a major crackdown on child sex predators, the Department of Justice has announced the successful outcomes of Operation Restore Justice. This extensive, nationwide initiative led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 individuals charged with child sexual abuse offenses. The operation was conducted over five days, involving all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department’s Criminal Division, and various U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the Department’s relentless commitment to protecting child victims, stating, “We will not rest until every child predator is apprehended and prosecuted.” FBI Director Kash Patel added, “Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach, and every child will be protected from fear and exploitation.”
In the Middle District of Florida, five suspects were apprehended on federal charges related to child sexual abuse material and enticement of minors. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe stated, “We will leave no stone unturned in bringing these perpetrators to justice.”
Among those arrested were:
– Brittany Karen Firth, 41, of St. Augustine, charged with production, attempted production, distribution, and receipt of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Firth faces 15 to 70 years in federal prison. She engaged in thousands of online messages with a known sex offender and recorded live-streamed abuse.
– Jordan Dave Persad, 22, of Phoenix, arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material and contraband while an inmate at a federal correctional complex. He faces up to 10 years for the CSAM offense.
– Lee Hughes, 45, a third-grade teacher from Pinellas Park, charged with attempted transmission of harmful material to a minor. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison after engaging with an undercover officer to exploit a child.
– Jonathan Richmond, 30, of St. Petersburg, charged with receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material, facing up to 40 years in federal prison if convicted.
– Steve C. Gopal, 42, of Ocoee, charged with attempted enticement of a minor for sexual activity, facing 10 years to life in prison.
This operation highlights the Department’s ongoing commitment to child safety, coinciding with National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Through initiatives like Project Safe Childhood, the Department continues to combat child sexual exploitation by coordinating federal, state, and local resources to apprehend offenders and rescue victims.
The Department encourages the public to report any suspected child exploitation to the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov. Additional resources and information can be found at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and through Project Safe Childhood at www.justice.gov/psc.
