![\"Top](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Suspects-charged-in-Operation-Guardian-Angel.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOfficials 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.<\/p>\n
In March 2026, the Mercer County Prosecutor\u2019s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force launched \u201cOperation Guardian Angel,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
The FBI \u2013 Newark Division, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations \u2013 Trenton Division, the U.S. Marshals, New Jersey State Police, the Mercer County Prosecutor\u2019s Office Special Investigations Unit and Hamilton Police all provided support and resources.<\/p>\n
Through the operation, the (ICAC) Task Force arrested the following suspects:<\/p>\n
Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield, NJ \u2013 Charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child<\/p>\n
Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, Conn. \u2013 Charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child and one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual contact<\/p>\n
Erik Gerstenacker, 36, of Hamilton, NJ \u2013 Charged with one count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child<\/p>\n
Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia, Pa. \u2013 Charged with one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault and two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child<\/p>\n
Connor O\u2019Leary, 30, of Moorestown, NJ \u2013 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<\/p>\n
Brandon Lambert, 40, of Temple, Pa. \u2013 Charged with three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child<\/p>\n
Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ \u2013 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<\/p>\n
Richard Dickenson, 48, of Philadelphia, Pa. \u2013 Charged with two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Top left to right: Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, Kenneth Davis, Erik Gerstenacker, Joseph Nicosia<\/p>\n
Bottom left to right: Connor O\u2019Leary, Brandon Lambert, Joseph Nesci, Richard Dickenson<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Mercer County Prosecutor\u2019s Office remains committed to protecting children from online exploitation and ensuring that those who seek to victimize minors are held accountable,\u201d Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey said. \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Office website.<\/a><\/p>\n