Four people were arrested in a raid involving the sexual exploitation of children, investigators said

Four men were arrested in a Cape May County raid targeting people attempting to sexually exploit children, investigators said.

The operation, called “Blank Space,” was conducted over two days in Ocean City and led by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and other local agencies, according to a joint release from the office Department.

“The operation took a multi-pronged approach, leveraging advanced technology, forensic analysis and undercover investigation techniques to arrest those involved in child sexual exploitation networks that create and distribute child sexual abuse materials,” authorities said. “Investigators have worked tirelessly to identify individuals who exploit children through online platforms, groom them for illegal activities, and share harmful child sexual abuse content.”

Four people were arrested during the raid, which included executing search warrants at two homes and seizing numerous pieces of evidence, including electronic devices, authorities said.

William B. Peraria, 66, of Somers Point, was charged with attempted sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and attempted obscenity.

Jeffrey K. Dragon, 37, of Pitman, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, attempted sexual assault, attempted enticement and attempted obscenity.

Marc Anthony Carroll, 34, of Vorhees, was charged with attempted luring, endangering the welfare of a child and attempted criminal sexual contact.

Kristofer Laud, 38, of Woodbine, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Authorities did not provide any further information about the men’s alleged activities.

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Chris Sheldon can be reached at [email protected].