MARLBOROUGH — Five men were arrested during a recent undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to engage in illegal sexual activity with a minor.
According to the Marlborough Police Department, Marlborough police participated in the operation, which was part of a federal task force operation involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that took place in Marlborough.
Investigators allege all five men communicated with and arranged to meet someone they believed was a 14-year-old girl. Each traveled to Marlborough, where authorities subsequently arrested them.
The individuals arrested were as follows:
- Jason Booe, 37, of Burlington, MA
- Waldemar Rosa-Rivera, 36, of Marlborough, MA
- Robert Berlus, 26, of Malden, MA
- Meikyle Murray, 26, of Springfield, MA
- Benito Perez-Garcia, 44, of Marlborough, MA
All five men were charged with paying for sexual conduct with a child under 18, enticement of a child under 16, and attempt to commit a crime. Murray was additionally charged with resisting arrest.
A Marlborough police officer assigned to the federal task force participated in the operation, while patrol officers with the Marlborough Police Department assisted with the arrests and transportation of those taken into custody.
“If you come to Marlborough intending to exploit a child, expect to be investigated, identified, and arrested,” the Marlborough Police Department stated. “The Marlborough Police Department and our law enforcement partners will continue working together to protect children and hold those who target them accountable.”
