Officials arrested eight men in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut as part of a task force that cracked down on individuals who use social media to exploit and prey on children.
In March 2026, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force launched “Operation Guardian Angel,” in anticipation of the increased travel in New Jersey due to the FIFA World Cup. The initiative focused on identifying and capturing those who use online platforms to engage in illegal communication and activities with children.
The FBI – Newark Division, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Trenton Division, the U.S. Marshals, New Jersey State Police, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit and Hamilton Police all provided support and resources.
Through the operation, the (ICAC) Task Force arrested the following suspects:
Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield, NJ – Charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, Conn. – 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, NJ – Charged with one count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia, Pa. – 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, NJ – 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, Pa. – Charged with three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ – 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 contact
Richard Dickenson, 48, of Philadelphia, Pa. – Charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
Top left to right: Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, Kenneth Davis, Erik Gerstenacker, Joseph Nicosia
Bottom left to right: Connor O’Leary, Brandon Lambert, Joseph Nesci, Richard Dickenson
“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 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.”
If you have any information about suspected improper contact by people communicating with children on the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children, contact the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007. You can also submit an anonymous tip on the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office website.
Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673.