Four Men Were Nabbed In Multi-Agency Undercover Sting Targeting Child Predators On Social Media Platforms
Thursday, June 13, 2024, 9:00 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ.- Two Middlesex County, New Jersey men, and two Hudson County, New Jersey men were taken into custody and charged in connection with an undercover sting operation that targeted individuals who were attempting to lure underage children for sexual activity over social media platforms.
According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, "Operation Cruel Summer" was led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with the assistance of the East Brunswick Police Department, Carteret Police Department, Highland Park Police Department, New Brunswick Police Department, Perth Amboy Police Department, Piscataway Police Department, Sayreville Police Department, South Brunswick Police Department, South River Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.
During the investigation, four men were arrested without incident and charged over the course of five days, June 3, 2024, through June 6, 2024, and June 10, 2024.
The underage "children" that the defendants were chatting with were, in fact, undercover officers. The defendants were arrested when they arrived at a location in East Brunswick, New Jersey, where they expected to find the child. Instead, they were met by with several law enforcement officers and were arrested.
"This operation's success is 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." Chief Frank LoSacco
The following four men were arrested and charged:
Mohamed Mohamed, 41, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was charged with one count of second-degree Luring.
Peter Wissemann, 27, of Colonia, New Jersey, was charged with one count of second-degree Luring; and one count of third-degree Criminal Attempt, for Endangering Sexual Conduct with a Child.
Malyar Baron, 32, of Jersey City, New Jersey was charged with one count of second-degree Luring; one count of second-degree Criminal Attempt for Endangerment; one count of third-degree Distributing Obscene Material to a Minor; and one count of third-degree Criminal Attempt for Endangering Sexual Conduct with a Child.
Edgar Rivera, 65, of Piscataway, New Jersey, was charged with one count of second-degree Luring; and one count of third-degree Criminal Attempt for Endangering Sexual Conduct with a Child.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at (732) 745-3300.
"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: JUNE 13, 2024: LAW, LOCAL, MIDDLESEX, HUDSON: