dailyloe.com – In April, the United States Department of Justice conducted a nationwide operation that resulted in the rescue of over 200 children and the arrest of more than 350 child sex offenders. This enforcement initiative aimed to locate victims of child sex abuse and apprehend predators. The operation involved all 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorney’s offices across the country.
Operation Iron Pursuit was primarily led by the Buffalo FBI Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated, “This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you.” He emphasized the DOJ’s commitment to holding offenders accountable and delivering justice for victims.
The DOJ provided details about two alleged offenders from the Western District of New York. CJ A. Wolf, from Lewiston, was charged with enticing a minor after engaging with an undercover officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. He traveled to a parking lot believing he was meeting her and had confirmed he would pay $200 for a sexual encounter.
Another offender, Kenneth Tootle of Rochester, was arrested for multiple charges, including production of child pornography. The investigation began after a mother discovered inappropriate messages and images between Tootle and her 7-year-old daughter. Following a search warrant, Tootle was arrested.
If convicted, both men could face a maximum penalty of life in prison. Operation Iron Pursuit follows other targeted efforts by the FBI, including Operation Relentless Justice in December, which resulted in the rescue of 205 children and the arrest of 293 offenders.
