A new U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) crackdown on child exploitation came to the aid of 205 minor victims and led to charges for 293 alleged sex offenders, including two in Maine, officials said.
“Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Operation Relentless Justice was conducted over two weeks and included agents from all 56 FBI field offices, including the bureau’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS).
“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
As part of the operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Maine charged two people with sex crimes. Christopher Colson, 24, of Lewiston, faces charges for possessing and producing child pornography.
Colson was accused of sexually assaulting a six-year-old child and a dog.
[RELATED: Feds Charge Pittsfield Man in Child Exploitation Case After Dog Assault Allegations…]
The Maine Office also charged Spencer Lillie, 29, of St. Joseph, Missouri, with distribution and receipt of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a minor. He allegedly made contact with a 10-year-old child over the internet and convinced her to produce and send him child pornography.
The operation led to the arrest of an airman from Dallas, Texas, and his wife, accused of producing child pornography, and a police officer from Raleigh, North Carolina, who allegedly gave child sexual abuse material to an undercover officer and expressed an intent to abuse children.
A previously deported Guatemalan illegal alien was caught in the operation and arrested for enticement of a minor. He had previously been arrested for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.
The FBI also apprehended five members of “Greggy’s Cult,” a child sexual abuse ring that encouraged victims to harm themselves.
Victims recieved a variety of services, including forensic reviews and referrals to mental and physical health services.
