Operation "Blank Space" Results In Taking Four Alleged Child Predators Off New Jersey Streets
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 12:00 P.M. ET. From Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News Contributing,
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ.- On Monday, May 6, 2024, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Ocean City Police Chief William Campbell reported, at the conclusion of a coordinated effort to combat child sexual exploitation and ensure the safety of our community's most vulnerable members. This effort was accomplished by multiple law enforcement agencies conducting a comprehensive operation resulting in multiple arrests and the disruption of illicit activities.
The operation dubbed "Blank Space" was carried out over two days in Ocean City, New Jersey, and was spearheaded by the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, High Tech Crimes Unit, the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Ocean City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The investigation was also assisted by multiple Local and State Law Enforcement Agencies. The investigation required the collaboration of these various agencies to identify and target individuals engaged in the exploitation of children.
Operation "Blank Space" employed a multifaceted approach, leveraging advanced technology, forensic analysis, and undercover techniques to apprehend those individuals involved in child sex exploitation networks that created and distributed Child Sexual Abuse Material. Investigators worked tirelessly to ascertain the identities of individuals exploiting children through online platforms, grooming them for illicit activities, and sharing harmful Child Sexual Abuse Material content.
The operation resulted in the arrests of four individuals, the execution of two court-authorized search warrants, and the seizure of substantial evidence, including electronic devices. The following individuals were taken into custody and formally charged:
William B. Peraria, 66, of Somers Point, New Jersey, second-degree Attempted Sexual Assault; third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and fourth-degree Attempted Obscenity.
Jeffrey K. Dragon, 37, of Pitman, New Jersey, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; second-degree Attempted Sexual Assault; third-degree Luring; and third-degree Attempted Obscenity.
Marc Anthony Carroll, 34, of Voorhees, New Jersey, second-degree Attempted Luring; third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; and fourth-degree Attempted Criminal Sexual Contact.
Kristofer Laud, 38, of Woodbine, New Jersey, third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Following being taken into custody, all four men were processed on their charges pending future court proceedings in Cape May Superior Court in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
In a statement, Prosecutor Sutherland would like to recognize and thank the agencies who assisted with this investigation. "As technology advances, so do the illicit activities of those among us who exploit children to satisfy their own depraved sexual needs and for economic gain. Without the talented and dedicated members of our office and our partner agencies, we would not be able to shut down these operations and remove these dangerous people from our community. Always be cognizant about what you share and what your children are doing on electronic devices and on the various social media platforms."
The following agencies participated in operation "Blank Space;" Cape May County Prosecutor's Office; Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office; Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office; Ocean County Prosecutor's Office; Mercer County Prosecutor's Office; Avalon Police Department; Cape May City Police Department; Cape May County Sheriff's Department; Middle Township Police Department; Ocean City Police Department; Voorhees Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations, Atlantic City Office; New Jersey State Police; New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
"The rules of the court requires us to include a statement, that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt."
FILED UNDER: MAY 9, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, CAPE MAY: