AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Authorities say they arrested more than 20 people in a weekend operation aimed at curbing the exploitation of children.

The Augusta Chronicle reports (http://bit.ly/1HqbcxM) that the 22 suspects were arrested. Authorities say they communicated with male or female children online and then traveled from areas around Augusta and from South Carolina to meet the children for the purpose of having sex. The suspects range in age from 19 to 52.

Authorities said all of the suspects are being charged with criminal attempt to commit child molestation.

The Richmond County Sheriff's Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Monday announced the arrests and some details of the "Operation Mayday" sting operation.

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