Operation Nets Suspects in Child Exploitation Sting
New Jersey authorities have apprehended twelve men in a multi-agency operation targeting individuals allegedly using the internet to exploit children. The operation, dubbed “Operation Bad Santa,” was led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and involved local police departments, the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Undercover officers posed as minors online, engaging with individuals who expressed intentions of meeting a child for sexual purposes. The suspects were arrested upon arriving at a pre-arranged location, believing they were meeting a minor.
The operation, which took place primarily between December 8th and December 15th, 2025, resulted in the arrest of men ranging in age from 23 to 65. According to a press release from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, some of those arrested held positions of trust within the community, including a middle school teacher and a youth program coordinator.
Most of the defendants face charges of second-degree luring and third-degree attempted endangerment of a child, carrying potential state prison sentences. Some also face additional charges related to obscene material.
FBI Special Agent Stefanie Roddy emphasized the importance of protecting children and holding offenders accountable, stating, “This operation demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.”
The following individuals have been charged with second-degree luring and third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child through sexual conduct:
- Delpis Reynoso-Castro, 26, of New Brunswick
- Marcos Aguila, 57, of East Brunswick
- Jose Leguia, 57, of Old Bridge
- Hareshkumar “Harry” Vala, 44, of Dunellen
- Vedant Khandelwal, 38, of Bridgewater
- Kevin Knox, 65, of North Brunswick
- Cameron Ameye, 33, of Bloomingdale
- Joseph Davicsin, 46, of East Brunswick
Among those arrested, Cameron Ameye, 33, was a program coordinator for Youth Rise at Passaic County Community College, and Joseph Davicsin, 46, was a middle school teacher at Chessie Dentley Roberts Academy School No. 30 in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Jorge Mora, 52, of Jackson, and Akash Shah, 23, of East Brunswick, face charges of luring and attempted endangering, as well as distribution of obscene material to a minor.
Raul Angeles, 53, of Asbury Park, is charged with third-degree attempted endangerment of a child through sexual conduct, while James Keating, 59, of Edison, faces the same third-degree offense, along with an additional count of distributing obscene material to a minor.
East Brunswick Police Chief Frank LoSacco praised the collaborative effort of the involved agencies, stating, “This operation’s success reflects the power of cooperation among multiple agencies and stands as both a beacon of hope for our community and a stark warning to those who attempt to victimize our most vulnerable population; we will relentlessly pursue justice.”
Authorities emphasize that the operation is ongoing and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. They also urge parents to actively monitor their children’s online activities and social media usage, highlighting the continuous effort to combat online child exploitation. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our children and the need for vigilance in the face of these threats. It also underscores the essential role of law enforcement in upholding our values and ensuring the safety of our communities.
