Five men are behind bars, facing felony charges after attempting to meet undercover agents they believed were 14-year-old children in a sweeping online sting across Northeast Pennsylvania. The operation, led by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s Child Predator Section, culminated in a coordinated weekend roundup that exposed the predatory intentions of men from Connecticut and across the region.
The defendants—Brian Boehm, 33, of Wallingford, CT; Ryan Brislin, 35, of Wilkes Barre; Joseph Ciccone, 35, of Bushkill; Mark Centeno, 27, of Scranton; and Renchie Cainglet, 33, of Edwardsville—were each charged with unlawful contact with a minor, criminal use of a communication facility, and related offenses. Each initiated explicit online conversations and arranged to meet what they believed was a minor for sex. Instead, they arrived at predetermined locations to be met by law enforcement.
Bail has been set across the board: $500,000 for Boehm, $35,000 for Brislin, $50,000 for Ciccone, and $75,000 for Centeno. All but Boehm have preliminary hearings scheduled for April 30 or May 7. Cainglet, who is employed as a registered nurse at Wilkes Barre General Hospital, has not yet had bail set. The arrests highlight how predators operate across professions and borders, hiding in plain sight.
Attorney General Shapiro made it clear: “My office will prosecute anyone who preys on children to the fullest extent of the law.” The operation was a joint effort involving the Pennsylvania State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and local district attorneys in Monroe and Lackawanna Counties. Eleven individuals were ultimately charged in the broader investigation—six will be prosecuted locally, while these five face state-level charges.
Deputy Attorney General Angela Raver will lead the prosecution. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, reminding citizens that predators often use social media and chat platforms to target vulnerable youth. The Child Predator Hotline—1-800-385-1044—remains active for tips. Texts can be sent to 847411 with the keyword ‘PAKIDS’ followed by the information.
The arrests send a clear message: online predation will be met with real-world consequences. As investigations continue, law enforcement warns that no digital disguise is foolproof—and no predator is beyond reach.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: Pennsylvania AG
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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