by New Jersey — A multi-day undercover operation targeting online child exploitation has led to the arrest of 12 New Jersey men, including a middle school teacher and a youth program coordinator, after authorities say they attempted to meet minors for sex during the holiday season.
The sweep, dubbed “Operation Bad Santa,” was conducted between December 8 and December 15 and was led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, according to prosecutors.
Undercover Officers Posed as Minors Online
Investigators said undercover officers posed as children on social media platforms and messaging apps, engaging the suspects in online conversations. Authorities allege the men believed they were communicating with minors and arranged to meet them in person.
Instead, when the suspects arrived at a Middlesex County residence, they were met by law enforcement officers and taken into custody.
Officials said the men ranged in age from 23 to 65, underscoring that online child exploitation cuts across age, background, and profession.
Serious Felony Charges Filed
Most of the suspects have been charged with second-degree luring and third-degree attempted endangering the welfare of a child, both serious felony offenses under New Jersey law. If convicted, those charges can carry significant state prison sentences.
Prosecutors said some defendants also face charges related to the distribution of obscene material to a minor, depending on the nature of their alleged online communications.
Authorities emphasized that the charges stem from alleged intent and actions, not from contact with real children, due to the undercover nature of the operation.
Suspects Identified Across Multiple Towns
Prosecutors identified the defendants as:
- 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
Two additional defendants — Jorge Mora, 52, of Jackson, and Akash Shah, 23, of East Brunswick — were charged with counts that include distributing obscene material to a minor, prosecutors said.
Another two men, Raul Angeles, 53, of Asbury Park, and James Keating, 59, of Edison, face third-degree attempted endangering sexual conduct with a child, with Keating also charged with distributing obscene material to a minor.
Positions of Trust Raise Additional Concerns
Authorities said two of the defendants held positions involving work with young people, which heightened concerns for investigators.
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Prosecutors said Cameron Ameye worked as a program coordinator for Youth Rise, an academic readiness and career pathways initiative at Passaic County Community College. Joseph Davicsin, officials said, was employed as a middle school teacher in Elizabeth at the time of his arrest.
Requests for comment sent to their employers were not immediately returned.
Attorneys Respond as Case Moves Forward
Davicsin’s attorney, Michael Chazen, said his client maintains his innocence and urged the public not to rush to judgment. Attorneys representing Raul Angeles and another defendant declined to comment, while lawyers for the remaining men did not respond to media inquiries.
Prosecutors stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Multi-Agency Effort During Holiday Season
“Operation Bad Santa” involved multiple local police departments throughout Middlesex County, along with federal partners including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials said the timing of the operation was deliberate, noting that online child exploitation activity often increases during the holiday season, when children may spend more time online and parents may be distracted.
Authorities Urge Parental Vigilance
Prosecutors used the arrests to renew warnings to parents and guardians about monitoring children’s online activity, privacy settings, and communications with strangers.
Law enforcement officials said investigations into online exploitation remain ongoing, and additional arrests could be made as digital evidence is reviewed.
Authorities encouraged anyone with information related to online child exploitation to report concerns to local law enforcement or national tip lines.
What steps do you think parents and communities can take to better protect children online, especially during school breaks and holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
