BRUNSWICK, Ga. — State investigators say 18 suspects were apprehended as part of “Operation Riptide,” an undercover operation targeting suspected online child predators.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said its Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit worked with Glynn County police and other law enforcement agencies to arrest 18 people over a five-day period that began Thursday.

The GBI said the defendants, who range in age from 19-58, traveled to the Brunswick area from parts of Georgia and north Florida with the intent of meeting a child for sex.

The GBI said the defendants include a 26-year-old defense contractor; a 19-year-old U.S. Navy employee; a 27-year-old EMT/firefighter; and a 48-year-old commodities trader from Minnesota.

Authorities said those arrested are charged with violations of the Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007.