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, such as a teacher and a youth program leader.

“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)

Who was taken into custody during this mission?

The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office released a list of 12 men. The ages of those involved range from 23 to 65. (DailyVoice.com) The list includes:

• Delpis Reynoso-Castro, 26, from New Brunswick

• Marcos Aguila, 57, from East Brunswick

• Jose Leguia, 57, from Old Bridge

• Hareshkumar “Harry” Vala, 44, from Dunellen

• Vedant Khandelwal, 38, from Bridgewater

• Kevin Knox, 65, from North Brunswick

• Cameron Ameye, 33, from Bloomingdale

• Jorge Mora, 52, from Jackson

• Akash Shah, 23, from Piscataway

• Joseph Casarella, 60, from Milltown

• Siddharth Parikh, 43, from Old Bridge

• Narayana Mudunuri, 38, from Edison

What specific charges do these men face?

Each person faces serious legal trouble. Most were hit with second-degree luring and third-degree criminal attempt to endanger the welfare of a child. Two men, Jorge Mora and Akash Shah, face additional counts. They were charged with sending 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 police 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 charge. They worked with several local police departments. These included teams from Edison, New Brunswick, Piscataway, and Highland Park. Federal help came from 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 arrests took place between December 8 and December 15, 2025. (RLSMedia.com)