The video above provides a look at a previous case with a similar name, showing how law enforcement uses these holiday-themed titles for undercover stings.

Holiday Sting Results in 12 Charges Against Alleged Predators

Law enforcement officials in Middlesex County just finished a major undercover mission. This project, known as Operation Bad Santa, led to the apprehension of 12 men. These individuals allegedly tried to meet with minors for sexual activity. The group includes people from various professional backgrounds, including a middle school teacher and a youth program coordinator.

“This operation demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable,” stated Stefanie Roddy, the Special Agent in Charge of FBI Newark. Authorities say the suspects used social media and messaging apps to talk with people they thought were children. (Patch.com)

Case Status

According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation remains active and continuing, and authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at (732)*******00. As of the latest available reporting, the 12 defendants face the charges described below; all charges are accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Who was taken into custody during this mission?

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office released a list of 12 men, ranging in age from 23 to 65. (DailyVoice.com) The list includes:

• Marcos Aguila, 57, from East Brunswick

• Cameron Ameye, 33, from Bloomingdale

• Delpis Reynoso-Castro, 26, from New Brunswick

• Jose Leguia, 57, from Old Bridge

• Hareshkumar “Harry” Vala, 44, from Dunellen

• Vedant Khandelwal, 38, from Bridgewater

• Kevin Knox, 65, from North Brunswick

• Joseph Davicsin, 46, from East Brunswick

• James Keating, 59, from Edison

• Raul Angeles, 53, from Asbury Park

• Jorge Mora, 52, from Jackson

• Akash Shah, 23, from East Brunswick

What specific charges do these men face?

Each person faces serious legal trouble. Most were charged with one count of second-degree luring and one count of third-degree criminal attempt – endangering sexual conduct with a child. Raul Angeles was charged solely with one count of third-degree criminal attempt – endangering sexual conduct with a child. Two men, Jorge Mora and Akash Shah, face an additional count of distributing obscene material to a minor.

“The men were arrested when they arrived at an undercover residence, where they expected to find the child,” Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone explained. Instead of meeting a minor, they walked into a trap set by law enforcement officers. (NJ1015.com)

Which agencies participated in the bust?

This was not a solo effort. The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office led the operation, assisted by the East Brunswick, Edison, Highland Park, New Brunswick, Monroe, Piscataway, Sayreville, and South River police departments, along with the Department of Homeland Security, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, and the FBI Newark Field Office.

“Anyone who believes they can target children in our communities without consequence should understand that law enforcement is united,” Roddy added. The 12 men were arrested without incident over the course of six days — from December 8 through December 12, and on December 15, 2025. (RLSMedia.com)