CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Eight people have been arrested as part of a targeted operation to keep predators offline, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office announced.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the South Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to conduct Operation Online Guardian.

“The protection of children, both in our community and online, is our highest priority,” Sheriff Carl Ritchie said.

The operation began in May as a chat operation on social media, involving suspects from in and out of state. Investigators posed as minors, typically selecting ages of 14 or younger, and created backstories for their undercover work.

“The investigators assisted with us during the operation as an undercover chatter. Other agencies assisted during follow-ups

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