By: Richard L. Smith
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced the arrests of four men in "Operation Cruel Summer," a multi-agency undercover initiative targeting individuals attempting to lure underage children for explicit activity via social media.
The operation, spearheaded by the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, saw collaboration from multiple local police departments and federal agencies.
Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office officials said the arrests occurred over several days in June 2024.
The accused men believed they were meeting children but were instead apprehended by undercover officers in East Brunswick.
Chief Frank LoSacco emphasized the operation's success:
"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."
The individuals arrested and their charges are as follows:
- Mohamed Mohamed, 41, of Jersey City: one count of second-degree luring.
- Peter Wissemann, 27, of Colonia: one count of second-degree luring and one count of third-degree criminal attempt – endangering sexual conduct with a child.
- Malyar Baron, 32, of Jersey City: one count of second-degree luring, one count of second-degree criminal attempt – endangering, one count of third-degree distributing obscene material to a minor, and one count of third-degree criminal attempt – endangering sexual conduct with a child.
- Edgar Rivera, 65, of Piscataway: one count of second-degree luring and one count of third-degree criminal attempt – endangering sexual conduct with a child.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3300.