While others celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit was on the hunt.

From Thursday through Sunday afternoon, nine men were arrested for attempting to meet what they believed to be a child for the purpose of sex, but when they arrived, only Effingham County deputies were waiting for them.

Of the nine arrested, at least one was a registered sex offender who had been prosecuted previously for a crime against a child. These types of investigations are conducted in an effort to individuals who target children for sexual exploitation.

Arrested were Jeremy Bolen of Guyton, who was charged with criminal attempt to commit a felony; James Daniels, 23, of Springfield, charged with criminal attempt to commit a felony; Donald Depew, 26, of Statesboro, charged with criminal attempt to commit a felony; Ricky Durden, 31, of Guyton, with criminal attempt to commit a felony; Omar Galvez, 30, of Savannah, charged with criminal attempt to commit a felony; Johnnie Goode, 32, of Savannah, charged with criminal attempt to commit a felony; Ashley Rahn, 35, of Springfield, with criminal attempt to commit a felony; Michael Robbins, 47, of Pooler, with criminal attempt to commit a felony; and Jamane Smith, 28, of Rincon, with criminal attempt to commit a felony.