Orleans News

Harvey man amongst arrests made in FBI's Operation Restore Justice



Disclaimer: All individuals are presumed harmless till confirmed responsible.

HARVEY, La. (WGNO) — On account of an investigation carried out by the Division of Justice, a Harvey man has been indicted on little one intercourse abuse costs.

On Wednesday, Might 7, the DOJ introduced the outcomes of Operation Restore Justice which is a coordinated enforcement effort to establish, monitor and arrest little one predators.

The nationwide crackdown has resulted within the rescue of 115 kids and arrest of 205 alleged little one intercourse abuse offenders.

“The Division of Justice won’t ever cease combating to guard victims — particularly little one victims
— and we is not going to relaxation till we search out, arrest, and prosecute each little one predator who preys
on essentially the most susceptible amongst us,” mentioned Legal professional Normal Pamela Bondi.

The efforts had been carried out by all 55 FBI subject workplaces, the Little one Exploitation and Obscenity Part within the Division’s Prison Division and United States Legal professional’s Places of work across the nation.

In a neighborhood arrest, 19-year-old Lance Rotolo Jr. from Harvey, was indicted on Might 2 on 5 counts together with:

  • Two counts of sexual exploitation of kids
  • Distributing little one sexual abuse materials (CSAM)
  • Receiving CSAM
  • Transmitting extortionate interstate communications

FBI brokers reported that on Dec. 19, 2024 Rotolo allegedly produced and tried to supply a visible depiction of a 13-year-old feminine partaking in “sexually express conduct.”

Moreover they add that round Jan. 12 and Feb. 17, Rotolo produced and tried to supply a visible prediction of a 16-year-old woman “partaking in sexually express.”

Brokers additional reported that Rotolo allegedly distributed visible depictions of minors, victims as younger as 1 years outdated, “partaking in sexually express conduct” on Nov. 16, 2024 and Feb. 28.

Additional investigation revealed, Rotolo despatched the 16-year-old “threatening messages” stating he would ship the content material to family and friends in the event that they did not proceed to ship the “visible depictions.

If discovered responsible, Rotolo faces a 15 to 30 12 months sentence for counts one and two, a 5 to twenty 12 months sentence for counts three and 4 and a two 12 months sentence for depend 5.

Moreover he faces 5 years to lifetime of supervised launch, a $250,000 fantastic and cost of a $100 particular evaluation payment for every depend.

He may also be required to register as a sexual offender.

Others arrested through the operation, together with a Minneapolis state trooper and Military Reservist, are alleged to have dedicated crimes together with:

  • Manufacturing, distribution, and possession of kid sexual abuse materials
  • On-line enticement
  • Transportation of minors
  • Little one intercourse trafficking

“Every arrest is a robust testomony to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our devoted regulation enforcement companions to guard essentially the most susceptible amongst us. It reaffirms the FBI’s dedication to pursuing justice for victims and maintain predators accountable,” mentioned Jonathan Tapp, Particular Agent in Cost of FBI New Orleans.

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