A nationwide law enforcement crackdown targeting child sex predators resulted in hundreds of arrests, including a man from the Oklahoma City metro, according to the Department of Justice.
The two-week operation, dubbed Operation Relentless Justice, involved all 56 FBI field offices, the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and U.S. attorneys’ offices across the country. Officials said the effort focused on identifying, tracking and arresting individuals involved in crimes against children.
In total, the operation resulted in the rescue of more than 205 child victims and the arrest of more than 293 offenders, including 40-year-old Christian Rafford from Midwest City. Rafford now faces federal charges for child pornography.
“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation underscores a continued commitment to protecting children nationwide.
“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten,” Patel said, adding that the FBI will continue nationwide efforts to combat child exploitation.
Authorities said those arrested are accused of a range of crimes, including the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking.
