Overview
- Authorities said the suspects, ages 23 to 65, were arrested between Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 when they arrived expecting to meet a minor.
- Most defendants face second-degree luring and third-degree attempted endangering sexual conduct charges, with several also accused of distributing obscene material to a minor.
- The investigation was led by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit with support from local police, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security.
- Prosecutors identified a middle school teacher from Elizabeth and a Youth Rise program coordinator at Passaic County Community College among those charged.
- Officials said the probe remains active, defense counsel for some defendants asserted innocence, and employers did not immediately comment.