A former U.S. Air Force captain from Burlington County, New Jersey, was convicted on charges related to child exploitation after engaging in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a minor, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Gabriel Perez, 31, of Eastampton, New Jersey, was found guilty following a five-day jury trial that began on July 13, 2026, at a federal courthouse in Camden. The case highlights the legal consequences of attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
Perez was arrested after driving to a meeting location with condoms in his pocket, prosecutors stated. The incident occurred after he unknowingly communicated with an undercover officer who had posed as a 14-year-old girl. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Perez expressed interest in meeting the individual for sex after learning of the supposed minor’s age, and he later sent an obscene photo of himself.
The charges against Perez included attempted enticement and coercion of a minor, as well as attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor. A federal jury found him guilty on all counts, and his sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2026. Perez faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Background of the Case
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey detailed the sequence of events leading to Perez’s arrest. An undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 14-year-old girl messaged with Perez nearly two years ago. After learning of the supposed girl’s age, Perez expressed his interest in meeting her for sex, according to prosecutors.
Perez’s actions included sending an obscene photograph of himself to the undercover officer. He then scheduled a meeting to have sex with her for August 29, 2024. Upon arrival, Perez was apprehended by authorities, who discovered condoms in his pocket.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Perez’s trial, which began on July 13, 2026, in a Camden federal courthouse, lasted five days. The jury found him guilty of the charges of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor, as well as the attempted transfer of obscene materials.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 9, 2026. Perez faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
Next Steps and Official Updates
The next significant milestone in the case is Perez’s sentencing on December 9, 2026. The court will determine the final sentence based on the evidence presented during the trial.
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