ICE Rumors False In Arrest Of Camden Co. Man Who Wanted To Pay Child For Sex: Prosecutor

PENNSAUKEN, NJ — Rumors of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arresting a Pennsauken man at a park this week are false, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Gustavo Sosa, 31, is accused of trying to pay an underage girl for sex, authorities said. He was arrested during a string operation Wednesday at a park in Pennsauken.

After the arrest, social-media rumors arose that ICE agents were involved in the operation. No ICE agents were involved, according to prosecutors.

"The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and our local law enforcement partners adhere to the practices established under the Immigrant Trust Directive issued by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office," the prosecutor's office said Friday in a statement.

The directive prevents local, county and state law enforcement from arresting anyone solely based on immigration status and draws limits on assisting ICE. It is designed to strengthen trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Learn more about the Immigrant Trust Directive.

On Tuesday, Sosa began communicating online with an undercover detective from the prosecutor's office who he believed was a 14-year-old girl, authorities said. During the conversation, Sosa arranged a meeting at a Pennsauken park for the purpose of paying her for sex, according to law enforcement.

Sosa, 31, was arrested at the park Wednesday by members of the prosecutor's office and the Cherry Hill Police Department Tactical Response Team.

The Pennsauken resident was charged with attempting to lure a child (second-degree), attempted sexual assault (second-degree), attempted prostitution of a minor (second-degree), attempted endangering the welfare of a child (third-degree), and two counts of engaging in prostitution (disorderly persons offense).

He was jailed in the Camden County Correctional Facility, with his first court appearance scheduled for Tuesday.

Sosa didn't have a listed attorney in online court records on Friday.

Anyone with information can contact Sgt. John Cochran of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office at 856-225-8826. Tips may also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.