YORK COUNTY, S.C. — Police in South Carolina have arrested 10 men in a major online predator sting.
For multiple days in the month of March, the York County Sheriff's Office, along with 13 other state and federal law enforcement agencies participated in an online child exploitation investigation called "Operation Home Alone".
The sheriff's office said officers posed as underage girls on apps like Snapchat and Tik Tok.
According to officials, seven of the men or "travelers" came from out of the area. Police believe the suspects targeted girls from ages 10 to 17.
"Now more than ever we need to know what our children are doing online," the sheriff's office said.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.