By: Richard L. Smith
Eight men from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have been arrested following a months-long undercover investigation targeting individuals accused of attempting to exploit children online, according to information released by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said the operation, known as Operation Guardian Angel, was launched in March 2026 by the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Investigators said the initiative was timed in anticipation of increased domestic and international travel associated with the FIFA World Cup and the expected influx of visitors to New Jersey.
Authorities said the investigation focused on individuals who allegedly used social media platforms to communicate with and attempt to exploit minors.
Using undercover operations and cyber investigative techniques, law enforcement identified and arrested eight suspects.
Those charged include:
- Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield
- Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, Connecticut
- Erik Gerstenacker, 36, of Hamilton
- Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia
- Connor O’Leary, 30, of Moorestown
- Brandon Lambert, 40, of Temple, Pennsylvania
- Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights
- Richard Dickenson, 48, of Philadelphia
The defendants face various charges, including attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted luring or enticing a child, attempted sexual assault, attempted aggravated sexual assault, and attempted criminal sexual contact.
“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,” Prosecutor Marbrey said in a statement.
She added that the office will continue proactive investigations to protect vulnerable populations as major international events bring increased activity to the region.
The investigation was conducted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.