Middlesex County honors multi‑agency ‘Operation Bad Santa,’ officials say 12 arrested

Middlesex County leaders on April 2 recognized officers and prosecutors involved in “Operation Bad Santa,” a multi‑agency investigation that county officials said resulted in 12 arrests.

Director Rios read the names of detectives, sergeants and prosecutors from the county prosecutor’s office and numerous municipal police departments and said the operation was “a perfect example of vigilance, teamwork, professionalism” by investigators who worked irregular hours to catch people attempting to lure children.

A law‑enforcement representative introduced at the meeting as East Brunswick Chief Frank Losacco thanked county commissioners and described the operation as “basically to catch a predator,” saying it took place during the holiday season and required undercover conversations at “all hours of the night.” He singled out assistant prosecutors Lauren Panfile and Lynn Sobrowski for their contributions.

Officials credited participation by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and municipal departments including East Brunswick, Highland Park, New Brunswick, Monroe, Piscataway, Sayreville and South River.

The board adopted a ceremonial resolution recognizing the honorees and paused for a group photo. No policy action or funding decision on the operation was taken during the meeting.

The county did not provide operational details at the meeting, citing investigative constraints; officials said they intend to continue similar coordinated operations to protect children in Middlesex County.