Trenton, NJ – Eight individuals have been charged following a months-long online child exploitation investigation conducted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, authorities announced Monday.
The investigation, dubbed Operation Guardian Angel, began in March in anticipation of increased international and domestic travel associated with the FIFA World Cup. Prosecutors said the operation targeted individuals who allegedly used social media platforms to exploit children and engage in unlawful communications with minors.
Four-month investigation targeted online predators
According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, investigators used coordinated enforcement efforts and advanced cyber investigative techniques to identify and arrest eight suspects from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
“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,” Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. 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 charged are:
- Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield, charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
- Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, Connecticut, 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, charged with one count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
- Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia, charged with one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault and two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
- Connor O’Leary, 30, of Moorestown, 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.
- Brandon Lambert, 40, of Temple, Pennsylvania, charged with three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
- Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights, 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, charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.
Operation supported by multiple agencies
Prosecutors said Operation Guardian Angel was developed over four months by the Mercer County ICAC Task Force with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark Division and other law enforcement partners.
Authorities said the operation focused on identifying people who allegedly used online platforms to communicate with and exploit minors before law enforcement intervened.
Second-degree offenses in New Jersey carry potential prison terms of five to 10 years, while third-degree crimes are punishable by three to five years in prison. Fourth-degree offenses carry sentences of up to 18 months if convicted.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that all charges are accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
