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Written by: A. Smith
Published May 15, 2025 @ 1:45 PM ET
GEORGIA – Two Georgia men are facing federal charges following a nationwide operation led by the FBI aimed at cracking down on child sexual exploitation.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday announced the arrest of 205 individuals as part of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated effort to identify and apprehend suspected child predators.
According to federal officials, the operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children.
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a statement. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
Two of the individuals arrested were charged in the Southern District of Georgia. Michael Alexander James, 44, of Waynesboro, and Martin Lindner, 52, of Augusta, each face one count of possession of child pornography, according to newly unsealed federal indictments.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department’s ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation.
“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,” Bondi said.
Authorities are encouraging the public to report suspected cases of child exploitation by contacting the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), submitting a tip online, or reaching out to a local FBI field office.
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