World Cup Child Exploitation Sting Catches 8 In NJ

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Eight people have been arrested and charged following a months-long investigation into online child exploitation, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said.

The investigation, dubbed Operation Guardian Angel, was launched in March by the prosecutor's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in anticipation of increased international and domestic travel tied to the FIFA World Cup and an expected surge of visitors to New Jersey, according to the release.

The operation targeted individuals using social media applications to exploit children and engage in unlawful communications with minors.

"The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office remains committed to protecting children from online exploitation and ensuring that those who seek to victimize minors are held accountable," Marbrey said.

"As major international events bring increased activity to the region, we will continue to proactively monitor and investigate threats to public safety, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations."

Those arrested and charged include:

• Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield — two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

• Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, Connecticut — two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual contact

• Erik Gerstenacker, 36, of Hamilton — one count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

• Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia — one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault, two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

• Connor O'Leary, 30, of Moorestown — one count of second-degree attempted luring or enticing of a child, three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of second-degree attempted sexual assault

• Brandon Lambert, 40, of Temple, Pennsylvania — three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

• Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights — one count of second-degree attempted luring or enticing of a child, one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault, three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual contact, one count of second-degree attempted aggravated sexual assault

• Richard Dickenson, 48, of Philadelphia — two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

Second-degree crimes carry five to 10 years in state prison and fines up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry three to five years and fines up to $15,000. Fourth-degree crimes carry up to 18 months and fines up to $10,000.

The four-month investigation received support from the FBI's Newark Division, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations' Trenton Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the New Jersey State Police, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office Special Investigations Unit, and the Hamilton Police Division. It was led by Lieutenant Christopher Rios and Sergeant Tom Paglione of the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, and is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael J. Mennuti.

Anyone with information about suspected improper contact with children online, or possible exploitation or sexual abuse, is urged to contact the ICAC Unit at 609-989-6568 or the New Jersey ICAC Task Force tip line at 888-648-6007. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at mercercountyprosecutor.com.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com