Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola today announced four arrests made as part of Operation Restore Justice—a sweeping FBI initiative to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators across the country. Operation Restore Justice is a joint effort with federal, state, and local partners to coincide with the end of Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlight the FBI’s ongoing work to confront these crimes.
“I hope the message is clear – crimes against children will not be tolerated,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “The FBI will always protect the vulnerable, especially the children in our community. We will continue to prioritize these investigations and support our partners in pursuing predators and delivering justice.”
“This nationwide operation serves as a significant reminder that, if you are a child predator, you will be identified and prosecuted, no matter where you are,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris. “The Southern District of Ohio is proud to join our law enforcement partners across the nation in the efforts to protect children and bring justice to victims.”
Last week alone, the FBI arrested 205 subjects and rescued 115 children across the country during the surge of resources deployed for Operation Restore Justice.
The local arrests made during this operation include:
William Clark Shepherd, a former Cincinnati-area resident, was arrested in Orange County, CA on April 28, 2025. He is charged with coercion and enticement of a minor after contacting a minor male victim on Roblox and later exchanging sexually explicit photos. These alleged acts occurred while Shepherd was living in Warren County, OH. The case was investigated by FBI Cincinnati with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Aurora (Illinois) Police Department, and supported by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.
Brett Jarrett Farley, of Delaware, OH, was arrested by the FBI on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Farley is accused of production/manufacturing of child sexual abuse material involving a minor in Louisiana. According to court documents, Farley contacted the minor victim via Snapchat and requested nude photographs. The FBI New Orleans Field Office provided significant assistance in this investigation.
Philip Michener, of Cambridge, OH, was arrested by the FBI on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Michener is accused of distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography after prior conviction. FBI special agents seized several electronic devices from Michener which contained over 1,000 images and 400 videos of suspected child pornography. In 2016, Michener was convicted of state offenses related to possession of child pornography. The Cambridge Police Department and the FBI Charlotte Field Office aided in the investigation.
Dakota Michael English, of Middletown, OH, was taken into custody on Friday, May 2, 2025. English is charged with distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. He is accused of using the Kik app to share child pornography. A court-authorized search of his phone revealed over 700 images and videos containing suspected child pornography.
The FBI proactively identifies individuals involved in child sexual exploitation and the production of child sexual abuse material through a far-reaching, nationwide network of personnel and law enforcement partners. The Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) program provides a rapid and comprehensive capacity to counter threats of abuse against children. This capacity leverages partnerships within the FBI’s 89 Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Forces (CEHTTFs) across the country. The FBI Cincinnati Field Office leads CEHTTFs in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus.
As always, the FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected crimes against a child to 911 and local law enforcement immediately, as well as the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at tips.fbi.gov, or by contacting your local FBI field office.
FBI Cincinnati thanks all the law enforcement partners involved in these efforts and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio for prosecuting these cases.
Charging documents merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.