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NJ initiative targeting online child predators leads to 8 arrests

nbcphiladelphia.com · 14d · first reportShare

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