Jacksonville — An active-duty U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune has been publicly identified in an online confrontation conducted by a vigilante group that targets alleged child predators. As of publication, no arrest, booking, or criminal charges have been confirmed by civilian or military authorities.
The individual was identified by online content creator Alex Rosen, founder of the group Predator Poachers, as Abdiel Cortes, 20. The Marine Corps later confirmed the individual’s identity as Private First Class Abdiel J. Cortesdiaz, an enlisted Marine assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Rosen claimed the confrontation occurred in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on January 5, 2026, and involved allegations of inappropriate online communications with a person believed to be a minor. The encounter was livestreamed and widely circulated across social media platforms, drawing significant public attention.
During the livestream and in subsequent social media posts, Rosen alleged that Cortesdiaz made statements involving illegal sexual material related to minors. The Salty Soldier has not independently verified these claims, and no charging documents or law enforcement confirmations were available at the time of publication.
🔴 Editor’s note: Due to the graphic nature of some allegations, specific details are not published here. A more detailed uncensored version of this report, including additional context and source material, is available for age-verified adults at TheSaltySoldierUncensored.com.
Video circulating online appears to show Cortesdiaz being detained by law enforcement following the confrontation, though detention does not necessarily indicate a formal arrest. An official with the Onslow County Detention Center told The Salty Soldier that staff were aware of the individual identified in the allegations but confirmed he was not brought to or booked into the county jail. Searches of North Carolina court records showed no criminal cases filed under Cortesdiaz’s name as of publication.
The Salty Soldier contacted the Jacksonville Police Department seeking confirmation of arrest or detention status and whether the incident was under investigation. A voicemail was left with department administration after hours, and no response had been received at the time of publication.
The outlet also contacted Public Affairs offices for the United States Marine Corps, Camp Lejeune, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). In response, 2nd Marine Division confirmed it is aware of an incident involving Private First Class Abdiel J. Cortesdiaz and stated that the matter is currently under investigation by the Jacksonville Police Department and NCIS. The division said it is fully cooperating with local authorities.
During the livestream, Rosen also referenced an Instagram account he claimed belonged to Cortesdiaz and discussed its username and profile details. The Salty Soldier has not verified the account’s ownership or intent behind the username, and authorities have not identified the account or its handle as evidence of criminal activity.
Law enforcement agencies have previously warned that vigilante-style confrontations can complicate investigations and, in some cases, interfere with evidence collection or due process. While there are documented cases in which arrests followed encounters involving similar groups, officials have emphasized that prosecutions depend on independently verified evidence gathered in accordance with legal and constitutional standards.
As of publication, the allegations against Cortesdiaz remain unproven. No arrest has been confirmed, no charges have been filed, and no court proceedings are underway. Readers are reminded that allegations — regardless of how widely shared online — do not constitute proof.
This story will be updated if Jacksonville police, military authorities, or federal investigators provide additional information.
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