NJ Air Force Captain Convicted in Child Enticement Case

Camden, N.J. — A Burlington County man who was an active U.S. Air Force captain at the time of his offense has been convicted of attempting to lure what he believed was a 14-year-old girl into a sexual encounter, showing up to the arranged meeting location with condoms before being arrested by law enforcement.

On July 17th, 31-year-old Gabriel Perez of Eastampton was found guilty of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor following a five-day jury trial in Camden federal court.

From First Message to Arrest in Two Weeks

Federal authorities said in mid-August 2024, Perez, then a 29-year-old Air Force captain, contacted an undercover law enforcement officer on social media who was posing as a 14-year-old girl.

Within roughly 24 hours of learning her age, Perez expressed interest in meeting her for sex.

On August 28th, he sent the purported girl an obscene picture of himself and arranged to meet her the following day.

The following day, Perez drove to the pre-arranged location with condoms in his pocket and was arrested.

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What He Faces

The enticement conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison, potentially up to life behind bars. The obscene materials conviction carries a maximum of 10 years. Each count carries a potential fine of up to $250,000.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 9th.

This case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations with assistance from the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office and Eastampton Police Department.

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Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com