U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson and the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a nationwide effort against child sexual exploitation. In the Western District of North Carolina, the operation led to federal charges against a Hickory man for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), along with drug and weapon violations. Nationwide, the operation has identified over 205 child victims and apprehended more than 293 alleged offenders, according to the Justice Department.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the commitment to prosecuting those who harm children, stating, "We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice," FBI Director Kash Patel also stressed the agency’s dedication to protecting children, according to the Justice Department. Operation Relentless Justice involved all 56 FBI field offices and multiple federal, state, and local partners.
In North Carolina, 29-year-old Tony Chache See was charged with possessing CSAM, including material featuring minors under 12, as well as drug and firearms offenses. Operation Relentless Justice also led to arrests nationwide for producing and distributing CSAM, child sex trafficking, and enticement of minors, including a Dallas airman and his wife, and a Guatemalan national in Miami, according to the Justice Department.
Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. emphasized the ongoing effort to protect children. Operation Relentless Justice highlighted rising sextortion cases, leading to arrests including the leaders of "Greggy's Cult" and a Virginia man who coerced a 14-year-old into producing CSAM. The operation follows similar efforts like Restore Justice and Enduring Justice, which also resulted in rescues and arrests, according to the Justice Department.
The FBI's Victim Services Division supported victims with forensic interviews and referrals for medical and mental health care. These operations are part of Project Safe Childhood, launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation. The public is urged to report any suspected exploitation to the FBI or through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. An indictment is not a finding of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
