'Operation Guardian Angel': 8 men in NJ, Pa., Conn. arrested for alleged online child exploitation

MERCER COUNTY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Eight people across three states have been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation into online child exploitation, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey.

"Operation Guardian Angel" started in March 2026 in anticipation of increased international and domestic travel due to the FIFA World Cup and an expected surge of visitors to New Jersey, according to officials.

During that time, officials say the operation targeted people who were allegedly utilizing social media applications to exploit and prey on children.

Investigators focused on identifying and arresting people who allegedly used the online platforms to engage in unlawful communications and activities with minors.

The investigation resulted in the arrests of eight men from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Connor O'Leary, 30, of Moorestown, New Jersey, is being 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, is facing three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.

Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, is 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.

Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield, New Jersey, faces two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.

Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, Connecticut, has been 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, New Jersey, is charged with one count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.

Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia, is facing one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault and two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.

Richard Dickenson, 48, of Philadelphia, is facing two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to officials.

Officials urge anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to please 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. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.