TRENTON, N.J. (WTXF) - On Monday, New Jersey officials announced the arrests of 24 alleged child predators stemming from a multi-agency undercover operation dubbed 'Operation Open House.'

Authorities say the suspects attempted to use social media apps — including Kik, Skout, Whisper and Grindr — to lure underage boys and girls for sex. The underage “children” were, in fact, undercover officers.

Most of the defendants were arrested when they arrived at a house in Toms River, New Jersey, where they allegedly expected to find their victim home alone. Instead, they were met with dozens of law enforcement officers.

Those arrested include a Howell Township police sergeant, 47-year-old Richard Conte, who allegedly attempted to meet an undercover officer posing as 15-year-old girl for sex. Investigators say Conte claimed in online chats that he was 19, and he had condoms in his pocket when he was arrested.

http://www.fox29.com/news/local-news/nj-officials-arrest-24-alleged-child-predators-in-operation-open-house-