Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Between April 28 and May 1, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) carried out Operation Restore Justice, a nationwide enforcement initiative. This operation involved all 55 FBI field offices, United States Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division (CEOS). The goal was to identify, track, and arrest child sex offenders. The operation led to the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 individuals. Among those arrested were six people charged in the Northern District of Georgia: Austin Hunter Bedingfield from Douglasville; Ian Dudar from Roswell; Kenneth Frazier from Powder Springs; Eduardo Gardea from Norcross; Connie Lynn Thompson from Grantville; and Christopher Welcher also from Grantville.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims – especially child victims – and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us.” She expressed gratitude for the work done by the FBI and its partners during Operation Restore Justice.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg commented on the nature of these crimes: “Sex crimes against minors are especially heinous.” He praised federal and local law enforcement for their efforts in holding offenders accountable.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that "every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation," adding that Operation Restore Justice demonstrates that no predator is beyond reach.
Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, reinforced this commitment by stating that their mission to safeguard children is ongoing: “However, let there be no confusion – this week’s operation is just one chapter in a relentless, year-round effort.”
The charges against those arrested include distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material as well as enticement of minors. The defendants have been indicted by federal grand juries seated in the Northern District of Georgia.
Austin Hunter Bedingfield faces charges related to distributing graphic videos depicting minor abuse via Kik. Ian Dudar allegedly purchased such material using Bitcoin. Kenneth Frazier was charged with enticing a minor into sexual activity based on evidence found on his cell phones. Eduardo Gardea allegedly distributed material across internet platforms. Connie Lynn Thompson was charged with obstruction for destroying devices linked to Christopher Welcher's alleged crimes. Welcher himself faces multiple charges including enticement of a minor.
These cases are being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg along with Assistant United States Attorneys James Hwang, Matthew LaGrone, Leanne Marek, and Amy Palumbo.
The investigation involved collaboration between various agencies including the Cobb County Police Department and Georgia Bureau of Investigation among others.
This initiative aligns with Project Safe Childhood launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation nationwide through coordinated efforts involving federal resources alongside state and local partners.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood visit www.justice.gov/psc or contact relevant authorities through provided hotlines if suspecting any form of child exploitation.
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