A months-long investigation targeting online child exploitation has resulted in charges against eight individuals, including a Hamilton man, following an undercover operation conducted by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Dubbed Operation Guardian Angel, the investigation began in March 2026 in anticipation of increased international and domestic travel associated with the FIFA World Cup. According to the prosecutor’s office, investigators focused on identifying individuals who allegedly used social media applications and other online platforms to engage in unlawful communications and activities involving minors. Through what prosecutors described as coordinated investigative efforts and advanced cyber investigative techniques, eight people were arrested.
Among those charged is a Hamilton man. The remaining defendants are from Plainfield, Moorestown and Hasbrouck Heights in New Jersey, Philadelphia and Temple, Pennsylvania, and East Haven, Connecticut.
The charges filed in the investigation include attempted endangering the welfare of a child, attempted sexual assault, attempted luring or enticing of a child, 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,” Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said in a statement. “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.”
Operation Guardian Angel was conducted by the Mercer County ICAC Task Force with assistance from the FBI’s Newark Division, 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.
Anyone with information about suspected online exploitation of children or inappropriate contact with minors is encouraged to contact the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office ICAC Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey ICAC Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the prosecutor’s office website.
