07/27/2026
EIGHT INDIVIDUALS CHARGED IN OPERATION GUARDIAN ANGEL
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced today that an investigation into online child exploitation by the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force has resulted in the arrest of eight individuals.
In anticipation of the increased international and domestic travel associated with the FIFA World Cup, and the expected surge of visitors to New Jersey, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began the monthslong investigation in March 2026.
Dubbed Operation Guardian Angel, the proactive enforcement operation targeted individuals utilizing social media applications to exploit and prey upon children. It focused on identifying and apprehending individuals who used online platforms to engage in unlawful communications and activities involving minors. Through coordinated investigative efforts and advanced cyber investigative techniques, law enforcement personnel successfully identified and arrested eight individuals.
“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. “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.”
The following individuals were arrested and charged as a result of Operation Guardian Angel:
1) Jose Adolfo Samayoa Ortiz, 51, of Plainfield, NJ
Charges: Two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
2) Kenneth Davis, 66, of East Haven, CT
Charges: Two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, one count of fourth-degree attempted criminal sexual contact
3) Erik Gerstenacker, 36, of Hamilton, NJ
Charges: One count of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
4) Joseph Nicosia, 72, of Philadelphia, PA
Charges: One count of second-degree attempted sexual assault, two counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
5) Connor O’Leary, 30, of Moorestown, NJ
Charges: One count of second-degree attempted luring or enticing of a child, three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of second-degree attempted sexual assault
6) Brandon Lambert, 40, of Temple, PA
Charges: Three counts of third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child
7) Joseph Nesci, 55, of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
Charges: 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, one count of second-degree attempted aggravated sexual assault
8) Richard Dickenson, 48, of Philadelphia, PA
Charges: 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.
Operation Guardian Angel was initiated by the Mercer County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and developed over four months of investigation. It received support and resources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations – Trenton Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the New Jersey State Police, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the Hamilton Police Division.
The investigation was led by Lieutenant Christopher Rios and Sergeant Tom Paglione of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michael J. Mennuti.
Prosecutor Marbrey urges 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.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
https://bit.ly/44NubkX
