PHILADELPHIA, PA — Federal authorities announced a sweeping nationwide enforcement operation that resulted in the recovery of more than 205 child victims and the arrest of more than 293 alleged child sexual abuse offenders, including two cases filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The operation, known as Operation Relentless Justice, was carried out over a two-week period by all 56 FBI field offices in coordination with the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and U.S. attorneys’ offices across the country. Officials said the effort focused on identifying, locating, and arresting individuals alleged to be involved in child sexual exploitation, trafficking, and online enticement.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the operation targeted offenders who exploit children through both physical and online means, emphasizing coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies nationwide. FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation reflects an ongoing federal strategy to aggressively pursue alleged child predators and recover victims, noting that similar nationwide surges have occurred multiple times this year.
In the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, two defendants were charged as part of the operation. Sean Gallagher, 31, of Warminster, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with alleged enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Derek Weaver, 29, of Ephrata, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with alleged receipt of child pornography.
Nationwide, authorities said those arrested are alleged to have committed a wide range of offenses, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. Federal officials cited cases involving defendants from multiple states, including allegations against a Texas airman and his spouse accused of producing child sexual abuse material, and a North Carolina police officer accused of distributing such material while communicating with an undercover officer. Other cases involved alleged online enticement, including a Virginia case in which investigators said a juvenile victim attempted suicide following alleged coercion.
The operation also addressed a rise in sextortion cases, with arrests tied to alleged organized online exploitation groups and individuals accused of targeting minors through digital platforms.
The FBI’s Victim Services Division assisted identified victims during the operation, providing forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health services, and coordination with victim advocacy partners. Officials said the effort was conducted under Project Safe Childhood, a long-standing Department of Justice initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation through coordinated enforcement and victim recovery.
Federal authorities urged the public to report suspected child exploitation through the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), online reporting tools, or local FBI field offices.
All charges and allegations referenced are accusations only. Any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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