FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a nationwide enforcement effort conducted from Dec. 3 to Dec. 17, 2025, aimed at identifying, tracking, and arresting child sex predators.
One charged in Operation Relentless Justice was a Granite City man.
Robert Jackowski, 31, of Granite City, Illinois, a former Marissa police officer, was charged with one count of transportation of child pornography in St. Clair County.
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Others charged were:
- Zachary R. Jones, 38, of Johnston City, Illinois, charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography in Williamson County.
- Nicholas R. Emper, 43, of Sea Isle City, New Jersey, charged with one count of attempted solicitation of child pornography in Williamson County.
- Matthew A. Nevle, 27, of Allen, Texas, charged with one count each of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, enticement of a minor, and sexual exploitation of a minor in St. Clair County.
The operation led to the location of more than 205 child victims and the arrest of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders across the United States, including four arrests in the Southern District of Illinois.
The coordinated effort involved all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the department’s commitment to prosecuting offenders. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” she said. “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.”
FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation. “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” Patel said. “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.”
U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft of the Southern District of Illinois condemned the offenders. “Sex offenders disgrace our communities, preying on the innocence of vulnerable children,” he said. “Through Operation Relentless Justice, the Southern District of Illinois condemns these heinous acts and stands resolute with our law enforcement partners to eradicate this evil, protect our children, and deliver unwavering justice to those offenders.”
FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J.S. Johnson noted the importance of collaboration in the operation’s success. “During this operational time frame, FBI Springfield made multiple arrests in the Southern and Central District of Illinois,” Johnson said. “These operations are successful due to a combination of local and state partnerships, the relentless work of our investigative bodies, and the commitment we have to keeping our local neighborhoods safe.”
Operation Relentless Justice follows two previous nationwide efforts this year: Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrest of 205 offenders, including four in Southern Illinois; and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which led to the rescue of 133 children and the arrest of 234 offenders.
The FBI’s Victim Services Division provided support during the operation, offering forensic interviews, medical and mental health referrals, and coordination with partners. The division’s mission is to assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process.
These enforcement actions are part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project coordinates federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute offenders and to identify and rescue victims.
The Department of Justice partners with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which operates a 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and maintains a website at missingkids.org to receive and share tips about potential child exploitation.
The department encourages the public to report suspected child exploitation through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), online at tips.fbi.gov, or by contacting local FBI field offices.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
