What to Know
- Authorities in New Jersey say they've arrested 19 people on charges of trying to lure minors for sex
- State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson on Thursday disclosed details about the sting
- Officials urged parents to closely monitor their children's online activities
Authorities in New Jersey say they've arrested 19 people on charges of trying to lure minors for sex.
State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson on Thursday disclosed details about the sting called Operation Open Door.
Officials say the suspects used social media and chat apps to arrange to have sex with boys and girls, with ages ranging between 12 and 14 years old. But instead of minors, officials say the suspects were communicating with police officers posing as children.
Officials urged parents to closely monitor their children's online activities.
"Familiarize yourself with these apps like Kik and Scout. These are today’s playgrounds and we know that predators are using them actively to target young people," said Grewal.
Most of the suspects were arrested over a six-day sweep when they arrived at houses where law enforcement was waiting.
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The sting operation marks the third time in 2019 the attorney general's office has conducted a multi-agency undercover sweep like this. Some 59 alleged sexual predators but they know it’s only the tip of the iceberg.
"We could do this every week and pick up 20 to 30 people a week, that’s how prevalent this is," Grewal said.
"So parents, it’s up to you to put down your own devices and check your children’s. I warn them that everybody online may not be who they seem," said New Jersey State Police Lt. John Pizzuro. "Check their settings to make sure they can only talk to people they should be talking to."
The suspects are held in the Somerset County Jail.
