EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. – A 57-year-old East Brunswick man arrested during a multi-agency child exploitation sting known as “Operation Bad Santa” has been released from custody after being charged with multiple offenses involving attempts to lure and endanger a child, according to jail records.
Marcos Aguila was arrested by East Brunswick police on December 9 and charged with luring or enticing a child by various means under statute 2C:13-6A, endangering the welfare of a child involving sexual contact under statute 2C:24-4A(1), and criminal attempt under statute 2C:5-1A(1). Authorities said Aguila was one of twelve men taken into custody during the coordinated undercover operation targeting suspects who allegedly used social media and messaging platforms to arrange meetings with individuals they believed were minors.
According to Middlesex County booking records, Aguila, a non-U.S. citizen, was booked at 10:44 p.m. on December 9 and released shortly before noon on December 12. He was held without bail during his initial detention, and his charges remain pending in remand court.
The operation was led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit with assistance from the East Brunswick Police Department, FBI Newark, and multiple local agencies.
Aguila’s case remains active, and prosecutors have not announced a court date.