In a sweeping move to combat child exploitation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the results of Operation Restore Justice on May 7, 2025. Over just five days, the nationwide effort led to the arrest of 205 offenders and the rescue of 115 children.
A nationwide effort to protect children
The FBI spearheaded the operation by mobilizing all 55 of its field offices, alongside the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Together, they targeted individuals involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), online enticement, and child sex trafficking.
“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,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
In addition, FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that no predator can escape the FBI’s reach. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten,” he said.
Key arrests in the Northern District of New York
In the Northern District of New York, federal agents arrested eight offenders. This success underscores the strength of federal, state, and local partnerships. The FBI Albany Field Office and its Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force played leading roles throughout the operation.
Significant arrests include:
- Jerry N. Butler III, 19, from Walton, NY — Solicited explicit content from minors and operated a criminal online network called “764.”
- Steven Campbell, 27, a UK citizen — Distributed CSAM and attempted to arrange the sexual abuse of a child abroad.
- Max Fishkind, 24, from New Paltz, NY — Enticed a Maryland child to create and send CSAM via Snapchat.
- Kenneth House, 59, from Pine Planes, NY — Traveled to meet and abuse a child after negotiating with someone he believed to be the child’s caretaker.
- Terry Mead Jr., 49, from Watervliet, NY — Used his cell phone to photograph and distribute images of a 4-year-old child.
- Devine Ravine, 20, from Riverside, CA — Induced a Rensselaer County minor to create and send illicit material.
- Bryan Silva, 32, a Brazilian citizen residing in Schenectady, NY — Responded to a sting advertisement offering sex with a minor.
- Gary Yorkshire, 68, from Scotia, NY — Attempted to arrange sexual contact with a child in exchange for money.
If convicted, these defendants face significant prison terms, mandatory sex offender registration, and lifetime supervised release.
Disturbing details from across the nation
Operation Restore Justice uncovered alarming cases nationwide. For instance, a state trooper and Army Reservist in Minneapolis created CSAM while wearing his uniform. Meanwhile, authorities in Washington, D.C., arrested a former police officer for trafficking minors.
In many situations, community outreach proved critical. For example, after attending an online safety presentation at a Capital Region school, one young victim courageously disclosed abuse, leading to the suspect’s arrest just hours later.
Ongoing commitment beyond arrests
The DOJ’s commitment to child protection extends far beyond one operation. Notably, Operation Restore Justice followed the observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, further reinforcing the department’s efforts to raise awareness, prevent exploitation, and educate communities.
Furthermore, the initiative supports Project Safe Childhood, a program launched in 2006 to combat online child exploitation. By coordinating federal, state, and local resources, the project continues to protect vulnerable children across the country.
The public’s role remains crucial as well. Officials encourage everyone to report suspected child exploitation through:
- FBI Tipline: 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)
- FBI Tips Portal: tips.fbi.gov
What happens next
Moving forward, prosecutors across the country are aggressively pursuing charges. Many defendants are facing mandatory minimum sentences with the potential for lifetime supervised release.
As Attorney General Bondi firmly stated, there will be no negotiation when it comes to prosecuting those who harm children. The DOJ remains committed to ensuring that no child is forgotten and no predator escapes justice.
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