Marcus Roberts : “Mercer County Prosecutor’s ICAC Investigation: 2 Arrests, Cocaine, Handgun, Cash”

February 20, 2024

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–An investigation into online child exploitation led to the arrest of two Trenton men and the seizure of cocaine, a 9mm handgun, and $10,480 in cash, Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri announced today.

The investigation began in November 2023 when detectives from the prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about an individual in Mercer County uploading materials depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child. The suspect, Marcus Roberts, was identified during the course of the investigation.

On Friday, February 16, 2024, members of the Mercer County Tactical Response Team, along with assistance from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations Trenton, executed a search warrant at Marcus Roberts’ residence in Trenton. Detectives seized multiple items of evidentiary value and arrested Roberts, 32, without incident. He is facing one count of third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material. The prosecutor’s office has requested Roberts be detained pending trial.

During the search, detectives also discovered approximately 55 grams of cocaine, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun, a digital scale, and $10,480 in cash in a bedroom belonging to Jared Roberts, Marcus’ brother. Jared Roberts, 36, was also taken into custody and charged with drug and weapons offenses. The Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain Jared Roberts pending trial.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to £150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to £15,000.

Prosecutor Onofri urged anyone with information on suspected improper contact by unknown individuals communicating with children online or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.

It is important to note that despite the charges, every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Photos of the Suspects:

Marcus Roberts

Jared Roberts