"These defendants actively sought out and targeted juveniles," she said.
The man arrested have been identified as Santhosh Akinepalli, 27, Exton, Pa.; Roberto Flores Ascenion, 37, of Norristown, Pa.; Marvin Gus Jennings, 53, of Philadelphia; Mohammed S. Merchant, 24, of North Brunswick, N.J.; Michael Dean Norman, 38, of Las Vegas; Andrew Stephen Oatley, 23, of Galena, Md.; Anthony Quairoli, 22, of Essington, Pa.; Kenneth Albert Ruzat, 54, of Trainer, Pa.; Sachin Kumar Shetty, 28, of Hatfield, Pa.; and Gregory Mark Sylvia, 32, of Peabody, Mass.
Among the 10 men is an airline pilot from Massachusetts and a flight attendant from Las Vegas. One man was offering money.
According to the charging documents, the undercover officers told each man how old the child was, and each man said that was okay.
"We're asking to be a reminder to parents, to our community members, to remember how important it is for people to talk to their children, to monitor their children’s internet use, and to report any suspicious activity," Copeland said.
The men range in age from 22 to 54. They were arrested either on their way to, or at, their pre-arranged meeting places. Charges against the men include attempt to commit statuatory sexual assault or rape of a child.