79 men have been charged with child luring or child pornography following a massive sting operation led by the New Jersey State Police.

Attorney General Christopher Porrino said, "The men we arrested lurked in the shadows of the internet and social media, looking for opportunities to sexually assault young children or to view such unspeakable assaults by sharing child pornography."

One of the more serious cases involved 24-year-old Brandon Morris of Hammonton, who was charged with manufacturing child pornography, endangering the welfare of a child by sexual conduct, conveying obscene materials to a child, and possession of child pornography. Morris allegedly engaged multiple underage girls in conversations on FaceTime, instructing them to perform sexual acts on themselves, which he recorded.

Three local men who were arrested would be considered "super possessors" as part of a new law that goes into effect next year, but they cannot be charged under this new law as it is not yet in effect. 22-year-old Kody Knotts of Millville, along with his two brothers, 27-year-old Alexander and 23-year-old Kyle, allegedly had a combined total of nearly 5,000 files of suspected child porn.

The following men from South Jersey have also been arrested:

John Parsons, 50, of Vineland, charged with possession of child pornography.

Robert King, 63, of North Wildwood, charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

Anthony Gerace, 43, of Egg Harbor Township, charged with distribution of child pornography.

Donovan Roots, 19, of Pilesgrove, charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

Julio Garcia, 29, of Bridgeton, charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

Antonio Baang, 26, of Galloway, charged with possession of child pornography.

Erik Baez, 38, of Sicklerville, charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

Bryan San Andreas, 37, of Toms River, charged with possession of child pornography.

Donald Williams, 39, of Camden, charged with distribution of child pornography.

Jason Locke, 42, of Manchester, charged with possession of child pornography.

Joseph Maruca, 26, of Berkeley Township, charged with possession of child pornography.

James Gilbertson, 60, of Manchester, charged with possession of child pornography.

John Skubiak, 62, of Deptford, charged with possession and distribution of child pornography.

 

The full list of names of the 79 people arrested is available here.

 

David Matthau and Dan Alexander contributed to this report.

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