SD man among more than 200 arrested in nationwide FBI crackdown on child sex abuse

EVERGREEN, S.D. - An Evergreen, South Dakota man is one of more than 200 people who were arrested in a nationwide FBI-led crackdown on child sex abuse. Brandon Rouillard, age 31, is accused of having sexual conversations with a local 14-year-old girl over Facebook. According to court paperwork, Rouillard requested that the 14-year-old send him sexual videos and images constituting child sexual abuse material. He’s also accused of having discussions to meet the teen for a sexual encounter.

The FBI says the case started with a tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, also known as NCMEC. Rouillard was arrested May 1.

His case was part of Operation Restore Justice, a joint effort involving all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

The suspects arrested nationwide are accused of crimes ranging from possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material to online enticement and child sex trafficking.

Federal officials are also urging parents to stay alert and talk to their kids regularly about internet safety. Warning signs of online exploitation may include:

1. Sudden changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, anxious, or secretive;
2. Abruptly deleting social media accounts or frequently creating new accounts;
3. Turning off or hiding devices in the presence of a parent or other adult;
4. Clearing their web browser cache and/or history;
5. Unexplained money or gift cards; and
6. Spending less time with friends.