Earlier this month Federal authorities announced arrests of two Pennsylvania men that was part of a coordinated nationwide investigative effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators which netted two men from Pennsylvania, one from Bucks County
Operation Relentless Justice, a nationwide crackdown that resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
In the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, two alleged predators were caught in the “relentless” sweep, Department of Justice (DOJ) officials said.
Sean Gallagher, 31, of Warminster, was arrested and charged with enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
Derek Weaver, 29, Lancaster County, faces possession of child pornography charges.
“My office and our partners at the FBI are working every day to unmask child predators, prosecute them to the fullest extent, and get justice for their victims,” said United States Attorney David Metcalf. “Protecting children from sexual exploitation will always be a top priority.”
“The men and women of FBI Philadelphia work every day to protect and support children across the communities we serve,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Operation Relentless Justice underscores our unwavering commitment to combatting child exploitation, one of the most heinous offenses we investigate. Alongside our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to pursue those who prey on our most vulnerable and bring them to justice.”
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, Texas, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a police officer from Raleigh, North Carolina, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children, the DOJ said.
DOJ officials say sextortion cases continue to rise, which target vulnerable children to produce CSAM. There were no sextortion related arrests made in the Philadelphia region by authorities.
This effort follows two other successful nationwide operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders, said DOJ officials.
The FBI’s Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD’s mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.