5 Men Charged In Marlborough Child Exploitation Operation

MARLBOROUGH, MA — A federal task force operation with Homeland Security Investigations targeted individuals who allegedly attempted to engage in sexual activity with a minor in Marlborough.

Five men are facing charges after being accused of traveling to Marlborough to meet someone they believed was a 14-year-old girl, the Marlborough Police Department said. During the operation, the five men traveled to the city and were arrested on charges of paying for sexual conduct with a child under 18, enticement of a child under 16 and attempt to commit a crime.

Two Marlborough men were charged: Waldemar Rosa-Rivera, 36, and Benito Perez-Garcia, 44. Three men from elsewhere in Massachusetts were also charged: Jason Booe, 37, of Burlington; Robert Berlus, 26, of Malden; and Meikyle Murray, 26, of Springfield. Murray was also charged with resisting arrest.

"If you come to Marlborough intending to exploit a child, expect to be investigated, identified, and arrested," Marlborough police wrote in a Monday announcement. "The Marlborough Police Department and our law enforcement partners will continue working together to protect children and hold those who target them accountable."

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