NJ Man Tries To Lure Child, Engage In Sexual Activities, Prosecutor Says

MOORESTOWN, NJ — The arrests of eight people in connection with acts of online child exploitation included charges against a man from Moorestown, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said.

"Operation Guardian Angel" began in March as a months-long project by the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in response to the influx of travel due to the FIFA World Cup.

Authorities used targeted resources and efforts to find individuals who they believe used online platforms to engage minors in illegal ways.

Connor O'Leary, 30, of Moorestown, was among those arrested.

O'Leary was charged with one count of second-degree attempted luring or enticing of a child, three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, and two counts of second-degree attempted sexual assault.

The following others were also arrested as part of "Operation Guardian Angel":

• Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield, was charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
• Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, Connecticut, was charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child and one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual contact
• Erik Gerstenacker, 36, of Hamilton, was charged with one count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
• Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged with one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault and two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
• Brandon Lambert, 40, of Temple, Pennsylvania, was charged with three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
• Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights, was charged with 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, and one count of second-degree attempted aggravated sexual assault.
• Richard Dickenson, 48, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child

The second-degree offenses carry sentences of five to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $150,000. The third-degree crimes are subject to a sentence of three to five years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000.

Fourth-degree offenses come with a maximum of 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Anyone with information about this case or others like it is asked to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.

According to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, information can also be relayed anonymously through its website.

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