Two Arrested for Child Sex Abuse Amid Ongoing Crackdown on Online Child Exploitation

Two men were arrested this week on child sexual abuse materials charges as part of NJ’s intensifying efforts to combat online predators and protect vulnerable youth.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, in coordination with the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) and New Jersey State Police (NJSP), announced the arrest of two individuals this week in separate cases involving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The arrests were conducted by the NJSP Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit on March 26, 2025, and underscore the state’s continued focus on prosecuting internet-based crimes targeting children.

In Clifton, Luis A. Angeles-Lazaro, 29, was arrested following the execution of a residential search warrant. He has been charged with second-degree distribution and third-degree possession of CSAM, based on allegations that he transmitted approximately 24 videos and possessed around 498 additional images of suspected child sexual abuse material.

Separately, in Newark, Darius J. Wilson, 21, was arrested and charged with third-degree possession of CSAM. Authorities allege that approximately 60 videos of suspected CSAM were found on Wilson’s mobile phone.

“These charges announced today are serious allegations – and all too common, as predators take advantage of online platforms to mislead and manipulate their targets,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The imagery allegedly uncovered by these investigations depicts reprehensible crimes against innocent, unsuspecting victims. The safety of children is a priority of my office, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the State Police, which is why we have allocated additional resources to combating this exploitation through investigations and prosecutions.”

Both arrests stemmed from investigative leads provided to the New Jersey ICAC Task Force, which has been instrumental in tracking and prosecuting internet-based child exploitation cases. The task force is composed of local, state, and federal agencies working collaboratively to identify and apprehend online predators.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, New Jersey has seen a significant increase in CSAM-related prosecutions in recent years. In 2020, 232 individuals were charged statewide; by 2024, that number had risen to approximately 404—an increase of nearly 74 percent. Officials attribute the rise to both enhanced law enforcement collaboration and improved digital investigative capabilities.

“Victims of these types of crimes are real children who are exposed to grave harm, both physical and emotional,” said Theresa Hilton, Director of DCJ. “Individuals who distribute, or possess, these images perpetuate the initial harm suffered by these victims and drive the market for this illegal material and trafficking of children. DCJ is committed to preventing these crimes from occurring in New Jersey and holding offenders fully accountable.”

The Attorney General’s office also highlighted multiple ongoing and recently concluded prosecutions, including indictments and sentencing outcomes for individuals across New Jersey and out-of-state who allegedly trafficked in or attempted to manufacture CSAM or engage in child exploitation:

• Rafael S. Azari, 32, of Brooklyn, NY, was indicted in March 2025 on charges including conspiracy to commit human trafficking and attempted aggravated sexual assault after allegedly arranging to meet a child for sex in Newark.

• Hank West, 43, of Chester, PA, was arrested in Bordentown after allegedly attempting to meet a child for sexual activity. Police found a case of root beer and personal lubricant in his car. His initial court appearance is set for April 30, 2025, in Burlington County.

• Michael Gilpin, 46, of Union Beach, pleaded guilty to possession of CSAM and is awaiting a June 13 sentencing, where the state will recommend five years in prison.

• Shazod Kerr, 26, of New Egypt, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing CSAM stored in a cloud account.

• Jeremy Geeraerts, 43, of Florida, faces charges for traveling to New Jersey with the intent to exploit a child, as well as weapons violations.

• Joseph Lawitz, 40, of Manasquan, is serving an 11-year sentence for soliciting explicit photos from a minor and purchasing CSAM online.

• Derek J. Woods, 41, of Cream Ridge, pleaded guilty to manufacturing CSAM using hidden cameras in his home. He faces sentencing in April.

• Ryan Olson, 23, of Williamstown, is serving a five-year term for soliciting and filming minors in sexual acts.

• Jabari Amador, 23, of Phillipsburg, received an 18-year sentence for sexually assaulting a toddler and manufacturing CSAM.

“The arrests of individuals involved in child sexual abuse material serve as a sobering reminder of the pervasive dangers that exist online,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the NJSP. “We remain unwavering in our commitment to aggressively investigate these heinous crimes that target our most vulnerable populations. I urge all parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activities. Your diligence today can help prevent unimaginable tragedies tomorrow.”

In response to the increasing threats children face online, Attorney General Platkin has expanded the DCJ’s Cyber Unit by 13 percent and its Human Trafficking Unit by 33 percent since January 2025. The ICAC Task Force has also emphasized links between CSAM, human trafficking, and online luring in recent investigations.

To help protect children, the Attorney General’s Office has issued several safety recommendations for parents and guardians, including disabling location settings on camera apps, monitoring online activity, and educating children about the dangers of interacting with strangers or sharing personal information online.

For more internet safety guidance, families are encouraged to consult the Division of Consumer Affairs and other state-provided resources.