Four men were arrested in a Cape May County sweep that targeted people who tried to sexually exploit children, investigators said.
The operation, dubbed Blank Space, was carried out over two days in Ocean City and was led by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and other local agencies, according to a joint release from the office and the department.
“The operation employed a multifaceted approach, leveraging advanced technology, forensic analysis, and undercover techniques to apprehend those involved in child sex exploitation networks that create and distribute child sexual abuse materials,” the agencies said. “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 materials content.”
During the sweep, which included search warrants being executed at two homes and the seizure of numerous pieces of evidence, including electronic devices, four people were arrested, authorities said.
William B. Peraria, 66, of Somers Point, was charged with attempted sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and attempted obscenity.
Jeffrey K. Dragon, 37, of Pitman, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, attempted sexual assault, attempted luring and attempted obscenity.
Marc Anthony Carroll, 34, of Vorhees, was charged with attempted luring, endangering the welfare of a child and attempted criminal sexual contact.
Kristofer Laud, 38, of Woodbine, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
The agencies did not release any other details about the men’s alleged activities.
Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.
Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
