DOJ nationwide crackdown on child predators yields charges against Mainer

Attorney General Pam Bondi (Courtesy photo)

PORTLAND, Maine - The Department of Justice on Friday released the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated nationwide effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators, including two who were charged by Maine authorities.

The effort resulted in more than 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The 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.

"We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes."

This month, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine charged Christopher Colson, 24, of Lewiston, by criminal complaint with possessing and producing child pornography. In a separate matter, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine charged Spencer Lillie, 29, of St. Joseph, Mo., by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of a minor and the distribution and receipt of child pornography. Lillie is alleged to have met with a 10-year-old girl online, after which he convinced the victim to create and send him child pornography videos.

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, N.C., who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children.

In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.

"Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes."

As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy's Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.

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 (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.