In the past four months, as a result of Operation Not Forgotten, more than 300 cases received increased investigative, intelligence, and victim assistance. The majority of that assistance was surged to cases involving the most vulnerable victims, including investigations of child physical and sexual abuse, child sexual abuse material, serious violent assaults, domestic violence, and death investigations.
“We want our Native American communities to know we are committed to combating criminal activity on Tribal land,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “Combating violence inflicted on these communities is among the most important work we do. With the help our partners at BIA and our dedicated agents, analysts and professional staff, we will continue to bring expertise and insight that’s critical to protecting these communities and victims and helping them heal and thrive.”
FBI and BIA efforts have currently led to over 40 arrests, over 40 search warrants being executed, 11 violent offenders were indicted, and nine child victims were identified and recovered from situations of abuse or neglect. Additionally, FBI Victim Services Division personnel provided direct support and services to approximately 440 victims and next-of-kin, including, but not limited to, crisis intervention, case status updates, child/adolescent forensic interviews, support during investigative interviews, assistance with Crime Victims Compensation applications, resource referrals, transportation assistance, Child Protective Services coordination, and Emergency Victim Assistance Funding for lodging and other immediate expenses.
“The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services was pleased to have been apart of Operation Not Forgotten,” said Richard Melville, Office of Justice Services director. “Joint investigative efforts between the FBI and BIA increase investigative resources and strengthens our ability to bring closure and justice for families and victims of violent crimes committed in Indian country. This partnership is an effective tool our agencies leveraged throughout Operation Not Forgotten to achieve that important goal.”
This joint operation between the two agencies recognizes the importance of an inclusive approach to combating violent crime in Indian country. By working closely with BIA and Tribal law enforcement agencies, the FBI is establishing trusted partnerships with Tribal communities to address crime in Indian country. The FBI has more than 200 dedicated agents and 26 Safe Trails Task Forces consisting of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners investigating crimes in roughly 200 Tribal communities nationwide. By expanding our presence in Indian country and working closely with our partner law enforcement agencies and community advocates, the FBI is committed to bringing closure to unresolved cases and bringing justice to victims and their families.
Operation Not Forgotten, along with the FBI’s broader violent crime mission, emphasizes the FBI’s continued dedication to address violence impacting Indian country, including Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP). The FBI is committed to maintaining close collaboration with our federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies, Tribal governments, and community members to build safer communities and protect the rights of all people.
Individuals with any relevant information about crimes or crimes in Indian country, are encouraged to visit tips.fbi.gov to submit an online tip or contact their local FBI office.
